1Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
2Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
4Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
5But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
8Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
16But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4 Verse Notes
1 Pet 4:6
Jesus' Descent to the Dead (Harrowing of Hell)
The Apostles' Creed's statement that Jesus 'descended into hell' (Hades) is rooted in the belief, with some basis in 1 Peter, that between his death and resurrection, Jesus went to the realm of the dead. This was to deliver the Old Testament saints, who could not enter heaven until his atoning death, a doctrine known as the harrowing of hell.
Summarized by AI · Earliest Christian Heresies · Lecture 8: The Victory of Orthodoxy · watch the clip
The Talking Cross and the Harrowing of Hell
The Gospel of Peter includes a unique tradition where the cross, upon which Jesus was crucified, is depicted as an animate, talking entity that follows Jesus and the angels from the tomb. When a voice from heaven asks if Jesus preached to those asleep, the cross responds 'yes,' indicating an early form of the 'harrowing of hell' tradition where Jesus preaches to the dead.
Summarized by AI · The Gospel of Peter · The Gospel of Peter · watch the clip
Purpose of Jesus' Descent: Preaching or Power
The 'Harrowing of Hell' tradition describes Jesus' actions in Hades. Some traditions suggest he went to preach salvation to the dead, while others emphasize his demonstration of God's power over death and the devil. The scope of this intervention, whether for specific righteous individuals or all souls, was debated.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Jesus Really Go to Hell? · watch the clip
The Walking, Talking Cross and Preaching to the Dead
In the Gospel of Peter, after Jesus emerges from the tomb, the cross itself also exits and speaks. A voice from heaven asks, 'Have you preached to those who are asleep?' (meaning the dead), and the cross replies, 'Yes.' This passage is the earliest clear reference to the concept of Christ preaching salvation to the dead, addressing the theological problem of righteous people who died before Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · A Giant Jesus and a Walking-Talking Cross: The Fascinating Gospel of Peter · watch the clip
Jesus' Descent into Hades
The belief that Jesus descended into Hades between his death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday is not explicitly found in the Gospels. This theological concept developed from early Christian legends that sought to explain Jesus' whereabouts during this period. Scriptural indications for this belief are found in 1 Peter 3:19-20 and 1 Peter 4:6, which mention Christ preaching to those in prison after his death, leading to legends about him visiting Hades to preach or rescue the righteous.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · How Apologists Use (and Misuse) Manuscripts · watch the clip
1 Pet 4:7
First Peter's Audience and Context
First Peter is addressed to Christians in specific regions of Asia Minor, not to a universal audience, adopting the form of a diasporic letter. The letter also presents itself as being written at the 'end of all things' and acknowledges that Christians are experiencing various trials and persecutions, though it does not link these to a specific historical event.
Summarized by AI · The New Testament: Exploring the Christian Bible · Lecture 25: The Other Apostles Speak | The Letters of Peter · watch the clip
1 Pet 4:16
The term 'Christian' in the New Testament
The term 'Christian' appears only twice in the New Testament, and it's often used by outsiders to describe followers of Jesus. Paul, in his letters, does not use the term, and early converts likely identified themselves as 'Brethren' or 'the Way' rather than 'Christians'.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · When Is a Christian Not A Christian? · watch the clip
