1 Peter 4:17-19 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12-19

The frequent repetition of counsel and comfort to Christians, considered as sufferers, in every chapter of this epistle, shows that the greatest danger these new converts were in arose from the persecutions to which their embracing Christianity exposed them. The good behaviour of Christians under sufferings is the most difficult part of their duty, but yet necessary both for the honour of Christ and their own comfort; and therefore the apostle, having extorted them in the former part of this... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:17-19

4:17-19 For the time has come for judgment to begin from the household of God. And, if it begins from us, what will be the end of those who disobey the good news which comes from God? And, if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious man and the sinner appear? So, then, let those who suffer in accordance with the will of God, entrust their souls to him who is a Creator on whom you can rely, and continue to do right. As Peter saw it, it was all the more necessary for the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

4:6 He was put to death in the flesh, but he was raised to life in the Spirit, in which also he went and preached to the spirits who are in prison, the spirits who were once upon a time disobedient in the time when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built.... For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, so that, although they have already been judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God. We have already said that we... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

This doctrine of the descent into Hades, as we must now call it, is based on two phrases in our present passage. It says that Jesus went and preached to the spirits who are in prison ( 1 Peter 3:19 ); and it speaks of the gospel being preached to the dead ( 1 Peter 4:6 ). In regard to this doctrine there have always been differing attitudes amongst thinkers. (i) There are those who wish to eliminate it altogether. There is the attitude of elimination. Some wish to eliminate it... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

We have seen that the attempt at the elimination of this passage fails. (ii) The second attitude is limitation. This attitude--and it is that of some very great New Testament interpreters--believes that Peter is indeed saying that Jesus went to Hades and preached, but that he by no means preached to all the inhabitants of Hades. Different interpreters limit that preaching in different ways. (a) It is argued that Jesus preached in Hades only to the spirits of the men who were disobedient in... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

(iii) There is the attitude that what Peter is saying is that Jesus Christ, between his death and resurrection, went to the world of the dead and preached the gospel there. Peter says that Jesus Christ was put to death in the flesh but raised to life in the Spirit, and that it was in the Spirit that he so preached. The meaning is that Jesus lived in a human body and was under all the limitations of time and space in the days of his flesh; and died with that body broken and bleeding upon the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God ,.... By the house of God is either meant the temple at Jerusalem, which is often so called, because it was built for God, and where were the symbol of his presence, and his worship; and now the time was come, or at hand, that God would begin at his sanctuary, and leave this house desolate, and not one stone should be left upon another, as Christ had foretold: or else the church of God, which is frequently called the house of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved ,.... Reference is had to Proverbs 11:31 where in the Septuagint version are the same words as here: the "righteous" are such, not who are so in their own opinion, or merely in the esteem of others, nor on account of their vility, morality, and external righteousness before men, or by the deeds of the law; but who are made righteous by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them: and such are "scarcely saved"; not as if they were but in part saved,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:19

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God ,.... This is the conclusion made from the foregoing premises; that seeing the state and condition of the saints in this world, at worst, and which is but for a time, is infinitely preferable to the dreadful state and condition of disobedient persons, ungodly men, and sinners, and which will endure to all eternity; they should not think strange of their sufferings, or complain of them, but patiently endure them; and especially when... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:17

Judgment must begin at the house of God - Our Lord had predicted that, previously to the destruction of Jerusalem, his own followers would have to endure various calamities; see Matthew 24:9 , Matthew 24:21 , Matthew 24:22 ; Mark 13:12 , Mark 13:13 ; John 16:2 , etc. Here his true disciples are called the house or family of God. That the converted Jews suffered much from their own brethren, the zealots, or factions into which the Jews were at that time divided, needs little... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Peter 4:12-19

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:17-19

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Peter 4:18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Peter 4:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 4:17

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