Bible Gateway passage: 1 Peter 4 - New International Version (2024)

Living for God

4Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(B) 2}As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(C) but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past^(D) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(E) 4}They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^{(F) 5}But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^{(G) 6}For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^(H) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷The end of all things is near.^(I) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(J) so that you may pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply,^(K) because love covers over a multitude of sins.^{(L) 9}Offer hospitality^(M) to one another without grumbling.^{(N) 10}Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(O) as faithful^(P) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(Q) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(R) so that in all things God may be praised^(S) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(T)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(U) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice^(V) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(W) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(X) 14}If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(Y) you are blessed,^(Z) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^{(AA) 17}For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;^(AB) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^{(AC) 18}And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[a](AD)

¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will^(AE) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes

1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)

Cross references

1. 1 Peter 4:1 : S 1Pe 2:21
2. 1 Peter 4:1 : S Ro 6:18
3. 1 Peter 4:2 : Ro 6:2; 1Pe 1:14
4. 1 Peter 4:3 : S Eph 2:2
5. 1 Peter 4:3 : S Ro 13:13
6. 1 Peter 4:4 : 1Pe 3:16
7. 1 Peter 4:5 : S Ac 10:42
8. 1 Peter 4:6 : 1Pe 3:19
9. 1 Peter 4:7 : S Ro 13:11
10. 1 Peter 4:7 : S Ac 24:25
11. 1 Peter 4:8 : S 1Pe 1:22
12. 1 Peter 4:8 : Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20
13. 1 Peter 4:9 : S Ro 12:13
14. 1 Peter 4:9 : Php 2:14
15. 1 Peter 4:10 : Ro 12:6, 7
16. 1 Peter 4:10 : 1Co 4:2
17. 1 Peter 4:11 : 1Th 2:4
18. 1 Peter 4:11 : Eph 6:10
19. 1 Peter 4:11 : 1Co 10:31
20. 1 Peter 4:11 : S Ro 11:36
21. 1 Peter 4:12 : 1Pe 1:6, 7
22. 1 Peter 4:13 : S Mt 5:12
23. 1 Peter 4:13 : S 2Co 1:5
24. 1 Peter 4:13 : Ro 8:17; 1Pe 1:7; 5:1
25. 1 Peter 4:14 : S Jn 15:21
26. 1 Peter 4:14 : Mt 5:11
27. 1 Peter 4:16 : Ac 5:41
28. 1 Peter 4:17 : Jer 25:29; Eze 9:6; Am 3:2; 1Ti 3:15
29. 1 Peter 4:17 : 2Th 1:8
30. 1 Peter 4:18 : Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31
31. 1 Peter 4:19 : 1Pe 2:15; 3:17