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1 Peter 4:15

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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.

1 Peter 4:15 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Peter 4:15

Theological / Devotional

Suffer as a murderer. It is a privilege to suffer for the name of Christ, and thereby bring honor to His name. But if a Christian commits some evil deed he gives the heathen an opportunity to ridicule the church and blaspheme the name of Christ. See on ch. 2:20.

Thief. See on Ex. 20:15; cf. Matt. 19:18; Rom. 2:21; Eph. 4:28.

Evildoer. A general term designating the perpetrators of all forms of mischief and harm.

Busybody in other men’s matters. Gr. allotriepiskopos, “overseer of another’s matters.” The exact meaning of the word is uncertain. Since Peter is discussing the Christian’s relations with non-Christians, he may here be thinking of indiscreet church members who injudiciously criticize the practices and customs of the heathen. Some of the reproach and persecution inflicted by nonchurch members might be eliminated by winsome Christian ways. The Christian is not to make himself a conscience for other men. It is for him to make sure that his personal conduct is such that not only men but God can heartily approve of it.

By SdaBc