Chapter four begins the second half of the letter with a major change in Paul’s grammar and intent. The entire letter contains 41 imperative verbs (which is already a high percentage ); however, only one of them occurs in the first half (“remember” in Ephesians 2:11). Thus, of the 197 verbs in chapters 4-6, more […]
Chapter five opens with an exhortation to local church elders. Although Peter called himself a “fellow elder,” there is no indication in Scripture that he served in that role in a local church. He could have meant that in a comparative meaning, because, although he may have functioned in a pastoral role in various churches,
Chapter four picks up immediately with the practical application for Christians because of Christ’s suffering: stay focused on God’s will rather than fleshly desires. Peter’s audience had been saved long enough that their lifestyles should have reflected the life change (1 Peter 4:3-6). Another reason to life in a godly manner is that Jesus’ return
