1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak. That is, in his capacity as a Christian.

Oracles. Gr. logia (see on Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2). One example of God’s “manifold grace” is the ability to speak fluently and convincingly. However, this gift is to be used for the glory of God alone. Talents provided by God are to be safely nurtured and developed so that the communication of the gospel may never be hindered by uncouthness, insincerity, or levity.

Minister. The passage reads literally, “if one serves, [let it be] out of strength which God provides.” The consistent Christian life is the constant unfolding of the enabling power of God. No man can live a sinless life without an hour-by-hour reliance upon divine power.

In all things. That is, in whatever activities the Christian may engage.

Glorified. Literally, “continue to be glorified.” That God should be honored and exalted is the true end of life’s activities. A Christian is never free from the obligation rightly to represent God and to demonstrate the effectiveness of His saving power.

Jesus Christ. See on Matt. 1:1. Christ is the One through whom the believer becomes a child of God and through whom the believer glorifies God.

Whom. This pronoun may refer either to God the Father, who is to be glorified through Jesus Christ, or to Christ Himself. As in this life, this doxology will be sung to all three persons of the Godhead when the redeemed gather in their eternal home (cf. Rom. 11:36; 2 Tim. 4:18; Rev. 1:6).

Praise. See on Eph. 1:6, 14. It has been suggested that the latter part of this verse is a quotation from a prayer used by the early Christians. Compare “glory” coupled with “dominion” in 1 Peter 5:11.

Dominion. Literally, “the dominion.” For comment on “dominion” (Gr. kratos) see on Eph. 1:19. Kratos is used in doxologies only here and in 1 Tim. 6:16; Jude 25; Rev. 1:6; 5:13. To ascribe “dominion” to Christ is to acknowledge His right to rule and to acclaim Him as ruler.

Amen. See on Matt. 5:18.