1 Peter, 4

1. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1. Given that Christ suffered in his human life, arm yourselves with this certainty: the one who suffers in his body has broken with sin

2. That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

2. so as to spend the rest of his life following the will of God and not human passions.

3. For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

3. You have given enough time, in the past, to living as the pagans do: a life of excess, evil passions, drunkenness, orgies and worship of idols.

4. Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

4. They now find it strange that you are no longer swept along with them in this ruinous flood, and they misinterpret it.

5. Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

5. But they will be accountable to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

6. The Gospel has been preached to many who are now dead. As humans they received a deadly sentence, but through the Spirit they shall live for God.

7. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

7. The end of all things is near; live wisely and spend evening time praying.

8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

8. Above all, let your love for one another be sincere, for love covers a multitude of sins.

9. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

9. Welcome one another into your houses without complaining.

10. As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

10. Serve one another with the gifts each of you received, thus becoming good managers of the varied graces of God.

11. If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

11. If you speak, deliver the word of God; if you have a special ministry, let it be seen as God's power so that, in everything, God may be glorified in Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

12. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

12. My dear people, do not be surprised that you are being tested by fire. It is not an unusual occurrence.

13. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

13. Instead, you should be glad to share in the sufferings of Christ because, on the day his Glory is revealed, you will also fully rejoice.

14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

14. You are fortunate if you are insulted because of the name of Christ, for the Spirit of glory rests on you.

15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

15. I suppose that none of you should suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal or an informer;

16. Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

16. but if anyone suffers on account of being a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace; rather let this name bring glory to God.

17. For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

17. The time of judgment has come and it begins with God's household. If its beginning so affects us, what will be the end of those who refuse to believe in the Gospel?

18. And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

18. If the just one is barely saved, what will happen to the sinner and unbeliever?

19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

19. So, then, if you suffer according to God's will, entrust yourself to the faithful Creator and continue to do good.