We are now at 1 Peter 4:3 and have just read that suffering people are "done with sin" and now live for the will of god. We know that is not quite accurate, to say the least. The author says that the readers used to live in a "flood of dissipation, " just like the pagans. (Do you think flood here is an oblique reference to the genesis flood?) Those pagans are now heaping abuse on the believers because they will no longer join in their carousing and orgies. Not to worry, they will get what is coming to them from the judge of the living and the dead. That's why Jesus went and preached the gospel (which hasn't been defined in this book) to the dead, because god is going to judge them.
Look out! The end is near! Keep a clear mind, so you can pray. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." Well then. If love covers sins, then why isn't that the be all and end all of Christianity. Why is baptism necessary? Why is authoritarianism necessary? Why can't god's love just cover all the sins? Why can't our love for other people cover their sins?
What is love any way in this context? It appears to consist of hospitality, serving others, and "administering god's grace in its various forms." Grace again. Also, anyone who speaks should speak as though they are saying the words of god. That's quite a proposition. How does one speak as though they are god? If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength god provides, which happens to be the same strength nature provides. Because of this, in some unfathomable way, god will be mysteriously come to be praised. To prove that, the author ends this passage praising god. Amen.
The next verse (4:12) is almost like the start of another letter and begins with "dear friends." The reader is not to be surprised at the painful trial they are suffering. It is not strange, under the circumstances. Instead they should rejoice that they get to participate in suffering like Jesus. That means they will be overjoyed when his "glory" is revealed. I feel sorry for the readers. Their suffering never amounted to anything, no joy or glory. Nevertheless, the author tells them they are blessed to be insulted for christ.
If they are going to suffer, it should not be as murderers, thieves, criminals, or even meddlers. (Meddlers...that's a weird addition.) Those things are shameful, but suffering as a christian is praiseworthy. Judgement begins with the family of god. And if it begins with them, what will be the outcome of those who do not obey. If they think they've got it bad, just think of what's waiting for the nonbelievers.
The author supposedly quotes Proverbs 11:31, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly sinner?" Except this is what Proverb 11:31 actually says, " If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly sinner." Clearly there are two very different implications. One suggests eternal reward and punishment the other is obviously earthly. Woe to him who not only quote mines but changes the text to suit his own purposes!
So, "those who suffer according according to god's will (because all suffering is god's will) should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continue to good." Suffering appears to be their lot in life, no matter what.
Till next time.
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