I Peter 4:1-11
…for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. (vv. 1b-2) I think Peter is saying here that someone who has suffered in the flesh (for Jesus) has become a true believer and with that sure commitment is no longer sinful and no longer sinning, desiring to serve God instead of his/her former human passions.
For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. (v. 6) Here we have another confusing verse. (Maybe I’m too used to Paul’s writing!) Let me try to re-phrase it. First, the “this” (second word in this verse) refers back to verse 5, that we will all have to stand before Jesus and give an account of our earthly lives. So, with that “substitution” the verse now reads: The Gospel is preached with a recognition that we will have to give an account to Jesus for our earthly lives. Even the people who are dead had the Gospel preached to them while they were still alive. And having been found “true”, they now live in the spirit with Jesus. In my understanding the end of this verse is spoken in the positive, about those Christians who have been true to Jesus in their earthly lives. The verse does not say anything about non-believers when they die.
With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you… (v. 4) This verse sheds some light on yesterday’s comments. Christians are maligned because they no longer join their former friends in …doing what the Gentiles want to do… (v. 3b), all the sinfulness mentioned in verse 3. That’s where the suffering (yesterday) takes place, in the jeers and taunts of those with whom we no longer associate.
Peter is difficult – I hope I’m not too far off the mark.
Slava Bohu!
I guess I skip over some of the difficult or confusing passages! In my translation, v. 6 doesn’t say that the dead were given the Gospel “while still alive”. The notes focus on the Gospel as in effect and operating since creation (all the dead) though announced by Jesus. So God’s plan affects everyone living or dead.
My takeaway is in vv. 8-11: Above all, love one another for love covers a multitude of sins. Our service and words (witness) are done through God’s strength so that HE may be glorified. Amen!