1 Peter 4:6

6. For That the dead are to be judged, is the particular statement, the reason for which is now to be assigned.

For this cause In view of the judgment. We agree with Alford that dead, here, is, as in 1 Peter 4:5, the physically dead, and not, as Wordsworth, the “dead in sins;” but he is in error in holding its equal comprehension in both verses. For in 1 Peter 4:5 it is universal; in this verse we are told, (literally,) it was evangelized to deads that is, that part of all the dead (note on Luke 20:35) to whom the gospel was preached, saying nothing of that part to whom it was not preached. We reject the view of Alford and others that the reference is to a preaching of the gospel to men after death, which is nowhere taught in Scripture, and contradicts its whole tenor. The plain meaning is, that the gospel was preached to men when living, who are now dead, just as it would be perfectly correct to say that it was preached to saints in glory, or to souls that are in perdition; meaning, that it was preached to them when here on the earth. The aorist shows its cessation. We think, moreover, that judged, in both verses, must refer to the same judge and the same judgment-day. This sweeps away a whole class of expositions.

Judged according to men The gospel is preached to men with reference to, and for the sake of, their living holily, and being prepared for the judgment. They who are dead when Christ comes, will be judged according to men who are still in the flesh, that is, as surely, and upon the same righteous principles, as they will be who are living at his advent.

Live according to God A true, spiritual, and holy life in this world, and a life of glory in heaven, even such a life as he requires and gives to all who obey his gospel.