ANNOTATIONS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER

THE ARGUMENT

The apostle Peter having by a special agreement of the apostles among themselves, the charge of those of the circumcision committed unto him, Gal. 2.7,8,9. was accordingly careful (because he could not visit them all in person, being dispersed into so many, and so remote regions) to write unto them this epistle, which might reach to them in their several places of abode. Therein his principal scope is, to persuade them unto patience, and holy carriage, under those afflictions, that either at present they were exercised withal; or were further to expect; And that by arguments taken from the example of Christ, God's calling them thereunto, the glory that thereby should redound unto God, and the good issue thereof, in regard of themselves. And amidst general exhortations to such religious courses, and unblamable conversation, as might adorn their Christian profession, and stop the mouths of malignant adversaries, he intermixes admonitions concerning the duties of several persons in their special places; as of subjects towards magistrates, servants towards their masters, husbands and wives, either to other, and of the ministers of God towards the people of God, committed unto their charge, the younger sort towards the elder, and of equals one to another; Concluding all with benedictions and salutations.

CHAPTER 1

Verse 1. {Peter} Called first Simon, or Simeon, John 21.1. 2 Pet. 1.1. afterwards Peter; but at what time, that is, whether when he first came to Christ, John 1.42. or when he was called to be an apostle, Mark 3.16. Luke 6.14. or when he made that good confession, Mat. 16.18. is not so easy to be determined.

{to the strangers} Gr. to the elect strangers. Some understand hereby the Jews only, others both Jews and Gentiles scattered by persecution.

{scattered} Gr. of the dispersion, James 1.1.

V. 2. {Elect} That is, sequestered and separated from the world. See John 15.19. Rev. 17.14. in which place, elect, called, and faithful, are put for the same; so that here we are to understand by [elect] those who were effectually called, or who had obeyed the gospel.

{foreknowledge} Or, pre-ordination; or, fore-appointment; that is, as God had before decreed. See verse 20.

{through} Here is set down the principal cause of their effectual calling, viz. the sanctification of the Spirit. See v. 22.

{obedience} That is, that you might obey the gospel, and so be reconciled unto God, through the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

{sprinkling} Heb. 12.24.

V. 3. {Blessed} 2 Cor. 1.3. Eph. 1.3.

{abundant} Gr. much.

{begotten} That is, confirmed in us a living hope; or quickened or revived unto us a living hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because God raised him up, that we might believe and hope in God for our resurrection unto glory. See verse 21. Acts 13.33,38. Rom. 1.4. and 10.9. Christ's resurrection being a pledge of ours: hence he is called the first-fruits of the dead, 1 Cor. 15.23. and the first-born from the dead, Col. 1.15,18. and Rev. 1.5. Some understand it of God's renewing us by Christ's resurrection. See Rom. 6.5, &c.

{lively hope} Or, living hope. That is, a constant, permanent, or an hope that shall not fail, as living waters, John 6.51. or to an hope of life.

V. 4. {To an inheritance} Rom. 8.17. Gal. 3.18. Col. 1.12. Here is set down the object of that hope.

{fadeth} Chap. 5.4.

{reserved in heaven for you} Or, for us, Col. 1.5. 2 Tim. 1.12.

V. 5. {kept} Or, guarded.

{power of God} John 10.28,29. 1 Cor. 1.8.

{faith} Because by faith we lay hold on the power of God, and in his power fight against all our spiritual adversaries. See Ephes. 6.10.

{last time} 1 John 3.2. That is, at Christ's appearance, verse 7.

V. 6. {wherein} That is, in which hope of salvation. See Mat. 5. Luke 6. Rom. 12. 2 Cor. 6. Rom. 5.2.

{for a season} 2 Cor. 4.17.

{if need be} That is, if it be God's will. See chap. 3.17. or, if it shall be your good, 1 Cor. 11.32.

{heaviness} Heb. 12.11.

{manifold temptations} See James 1.2.

V. 7. {the trial} Job 23.10. James 1.3.

{more precious} Chap. 4.13. James 1.12.

V. 8. {not seen} John 20.29. 1 John 4.20.

{in whom} Considering that great and plentiful redemption which he has wrought for you.

{full of glory} Or, glorious, either because this their rejoicing was a taste of their future glory, or because it made them glorious in the eyes of men. The original word may be translated celebrated, or renowned, or spoken of to praise, or glorified, or commended, or honored. See Luke 4.15. John 13.31.

V. 9. {end} That is, reward. See Rom. 6.21,22. 2 Cor. 11.15. Phil. 3.19. James 5.11.

{salvation} S. Peter means hereby that salvation which is begun in this life, in the peace of a good conscience, and the joy of the Holy Ghost, and which shall be perfected hereafter in heaven.

{souls} By a chief part of man we are here to understand the whole man. See Gen. 12.5. and 14.21. and 17.14. Luke 6.9. Rom. 13.1. for the body also shall be made partaker of salvation at the resurrection, Phil. 3.20,21.

V. 10. {searched} Mat. 2.8. and 10.11.

{prophesied} Acts 3.18.

{grace} So here the fulfilling of the promises of Christ's coming in the flesh, of his preaching the acceptable year of the Lord, of his dying for our sins, and rising for our justification; or these things themselves, and the like exhibited, are styled in opposition to the types, figures and shadows of this grace, John 1.17.

V. 11. {of Christ} Gal. 4.6. So the Holy Ghost by which the prophets spoke, (2 Pet. 1.21.) is called, because Christ sent the Holy Ghost upon the prophets, as he did upon the apostles. See John 12.15,26.

{in them} See Heb. 1.1.

{testified} Luke 24.25, &c. Acts 17.2,3. Rom. 1.2,3. and 16.26. 1 Cor. 15.2,4.

V. 12. {the things} That is, the coming of Christ, and those particulars mentioned, v. 10,11. and not the fruits and effects of them; for the faithful before Christ's coming were saved by the grace of Christ, even as we, Acts 15.9.

{with the holy Ghost} Acts 2.4. That is, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost.

{which things} Eph. 3.10. That is, which mysteries of the gospel, revealed in the latter times.

{look into} Narrowly, as they who bowing or stooping down, look upon a thing. See James 1.25. Luke 24.12. John 25.11.

V. 13. {Gird up the loins of your mind} Gr. having the loins of your mind girded. It is a metaphor taken from an ancient custom in the eastern countries, where they were wont to wear long garments, which they girded to their loins, to make them expedite, nimble, and ready for travel, or some other service, 1 Kings 18.46. 2 Kings 4.29. and 9.1. Luke 12.37. Hence it is translated here and in other places, as Job 38.3. and 40.7. Luke 12.35. to the mind, to import its preparedness and readiness for God's service.

{be sober} Gr. being sober. Hereby Saint Peter directs us unto that wherein the preparation of the soul does consist, or unto the means whereby it must be prepared for God's service, and that is soberness; that is, a moderation not only in meats and drinks, but in all earthly things. See verse 4. and Luke 12.35, &c. 1 Thes. 5.8.

{and hope} Gr. hope.

{to the end} Gr. perfectly, Luke 21.34. Tit. 2.12. Hos. 12.6. Heb. 6.11.

{grace} Some understand hereby that grace which is now revealed and offered unto us, by the preaching of the gospel: as Ephes. 1.6,7. Tit. 2.11. and these read the words following thus, viz. which is brought unto you by the revelation of Christ; that is, by his preaching of the gospel unto you, or in, or at his appearing, or being manifested in the flesh. Others understand hereby [grace] that salvation and glory which shall be revealed at the second coming of Christ; as chap. 3.7.

{that is to be brought} Or, that is brought.

{at the revelation} 2 Thes. 1.10.

V. 14. {obedient children} Gr. children of obedience.

{not fashioning} Gr. not fashioned. Here S. Peter may seem to allude to those things which receive their figure, form, or shape from a mold, and is, as if he had said, Let not your lives and conversations be formed or molded according to your former lusts; see Rom. 12.2. The same is imported, when men are said to walk after their lusts, making their lusts their captains, or leaders. See Eph. 2.3. and 4.22. 2 Tim. 3.6. Tit. 3.3. 2 Pet. 3.3. Jude 18.

{former lusts} Eph. 4.22.

{ignorance} Eph. 4.18. Acts 17.30. That is, before you were called to the knowledge of the truth.

V. 16. {Be ye holy} Lev. 11.44. and 19.2. and 20.7.

V. 17. {who without} Deut. 10.17. Rom. 2.11.

{according to} Eccl. 12.14.

{sojourning} The original word signifies a dwelling for a time in a place, which is not native unto us. See Exod. 6.4. Acts 7.6,29. Heb. 11.9. Hence when it is applied to our living upon the face of the earth, thereby is implied, that here we have no abiding city. See chap. 2.11. Gen. 47.9. Heb. 13.14.

{in fear} Chap. 2.18. and 3.2,16. Eph. 6.5. Psalm 2.12. 2 Cor. 2.3. and 7.1,15.

V. 18. {vain conversation} So called, because it did proceed from the vanity of their minds, Eph. 6.17. and because of the unprofitableness of it, Hab. 2.13. Rom. 6.21.

{tradition} That is, either by their example or teaching. Some suppose that here the apostle intends those idle and Pharisaical traditions which they had learned from their fathers.

{fathers} Ezech. 20.18.

V. 19. {precious} 1 Cor. 6.20.

{blood} Eph. 1.7. 1 John 1.7. Rev. 1.5.

{lamb} Herein Saint Peter relates unto the paschal lamb, and the lamb for the daily sacrifice, both which were to be without blemish or spot. See Exod. 22.5. Numb. 28.3,19. and both which were types of Christ, John 1.29. 1 Cor. 5.7.

{without blemish} Heb. 6.26.

V. 20. {Who verily} Rom. 16.25. Coloss. 1.26. 1 Tim. 2.10. Tit. 1.2.

{foreordained} Gr. fore-known. See v. 2. Acts 10.42. Ephes. 3.11.

{manifest} That is, in the flesh. See 1 Tim. 3.16. 1 John 3.8.

{last times} See Gen. 49.1.

V. 21. {by him} For we can have no confidence in God, as reconciled unto us, but through Christ. See John 14.6. Acts 10.36. Eph. 2.14,15. and 3.12. Col. 1.20.

{raised} Eph. 1.20.

{glory} See verse 11.

{that your faith} See verse 3.

V. 22. {purified} Tit. 3.5,6.

{obeying} That is, by faith, by which you obey the truth. See Rom. 1.5,16,26.

{through the Spirit} Acts 15.9.

{unfeigned} 2 Cor. 6.6. 1 Tim. 1.5. 1 Cor. 6.11.

{love} Rom. 12.10. chap. 2.17.

{fervently} Gr. extensively. That is, with a stretched-out love, or extended love.

V. 23. {corruptible} As they are who are born after the common course of nature.

{by the word} Jam. 1.18. It is usual in the Scripture, John 1.13. and 3.3. to compare the word of God to seed. See Luke 8.5.

{which liveth} Psalm 119.89.

V. 24. {For} Or, for that.

{all flesh is as grass} Isa. 40.6. and 54.10. 2 Cor. 5.21. James 1.10.

CHAPTER 2

Verse 1. {Wherefore laying} See Jam. 1.21. Heb. 12.1. Eph. 4.22,25. Col. 3.8.

{all malice} 2 Cor. 7.1. 1 Thes. 5.23.

V. 2. {desire} Or, earnestly desire, Psalm 119.20,81,82.

{sincere} That is, uncorrupted, unfalsified: whereby is meant the purity of God's word, it is without falsehood; see Psalm 14.8. and herein it is compared to milk, which of itself is uncompounded.

{milk} What is here meant by milk, is expressed, chap. 1.25. viz. the gospel, or the word of God revealed in the gospel; compared to milk; first, because of the sweetness of it, Esa. 25.6. Psalm 19.10. and 119.103. Prov. 24.13,14. Secondly, because of the purity thereof. See the note before. Thirdly, because of the nourishing property thereof; so especially here. See Eph. 4.11, &c. 2 Tim. 3.16,17.

{of the word} The Syriac translation renders it [spiritual] and not without good probability, it being here opposed or compared to that bodily milk which newborn babes earnestly desire, and because it is the food of the soul, which is a spirit. Heb. 22.9. and so the original word may be taken, Rom. 12.1.

V. 3. {If so be} As you profess and persuade yourself.

{tasted} That is, have had any experimental knowledge of the goodness and mercy of God in Christ; by our taste we make experience what is sweet, and what is sour, or bitter. It may seem that S. Peter relates to Psalm 34.9. It is conceived by some, that hereby the apostle follows the former similitude, because children do by their tastes easily discern their nurse's milk.

{Lord} Christ Jesus.

{gracious} Understand it of that grace which is manifested and offered in the gospel. See Eph. 6.9,27. Tit. 3.4. Heb. 6.5.

V. 4. {coming} That is, by faith. See John 6.35. and 5.40.43,44. Heb. 10.22.

{living stone} When Christ in the Scriptures is compared to a stone, it is either to the foundation-stone, to show that the whole church is built upon him. See 1 Cor. 3.11. or else unto the chief corner-stone, to show that the whole church, or all the faithful are coupled and united together in him. See Eph. 2.13,14,20. and 4.16. Col. 1.19. He is further called, a living stone, because he gives life unto all those who by faith are united unto him, John 5.26.

{disallowed indeed of men} Luke 2.24.

{chosen} See chap. 1.20.

V. 5. {lively stones} That is, as having received life from him. See verse 4.

{are built} Or, be ye built. Or, build up your selves: that is, more and more. Verbs passive, both in the Hebrew and the Greek, have sometimes a reciprocal signification. See chap. 1.14. 2 Sam. 20.10. Mal. 2.15. Gen. 46.29.

{spiritual} Usually in the Scriptures the church of God is compared unto an house, and that both the church militant, Psalm 27.4. and 69.10. and 84. Isa. 56.6,7. Eph. 2.19,22. 1 Tim. 3.15. Heb. 3.6. and 10.21. as also the triumphant, John 14.2. 2 Cor. 5.1,2. And the reason may be, because God dwells in the church, by his grace and glory. It is further compared unto a spiritual house, either in opposition to our material houses, or else because it is built up by the Spirit of God. See chap. 1.22.

{holy priesthood} So all the faithful are styled, because (as the priests under the law) so these are separated from the world to the service of God, as the words following import. See chap. 1.22. Isa. 61.1.

{spiritual} That is, yourselves, and all that spiritual service which you perform unto God. See Psalm 4.6. and 50.14. and 51.19. and 107.22. and 141.2. Isa. 56.7. Hos. 14.3. Rom. 12.1. Phil. 2.17. Heb. 13.15.

{By Jesus Christ} See Heb. 13.10,15,16.

V. 6. {scripture} That is, partly, Isa. 8.14. and 28.16. and partly, Psalm 118. out of which places the apostle alleges these words, keeping faithfully the sense, though not the very words.

{Behold} Isa. 28.16. Rom. 9.33.

{confounded} See Rom. 9.33.

V. 7. {precious} Or, an honor.

{disobedient} That is, unto the gospel.

{the stone which the builders disallowed} Psalm 118.22. Mat. 21.42. Acts 4.11.

V. 8. {And a stone of stumbling} Isa. 8.14. Rom. 9.33.

{a stone} A metaphor taken either from those, who, making haste, stumble at a stone in their way, and so hurt themselves: or from mariners who split their ships upon rocks. See 1 Cor. 1.23. So that by stumbling, here, the cause being put for the effect, we are to understand that judgment which unbelievers incur, through their infidelity.

{at the word, being disobedient} Or, being disobedient unto the word.

{disobedient} That is, because they are disobedient unto the gospel. Participles oftentimes imply the cause of that which went before. See Heb. 11.31.

{whereunto} This clause has reference, not to disobedient; for God ordains no man thereunto, Psalm 5.5. James 1.13. but unto stumbling: whereby is signified, that hurt and condemnation which unbelievers receive from the word through their infidelity: thereby it becomes the savor of death unto death unto them, 2 Cor. 2.16. See before. Hence the sense of this clause is this, viz. whereunto; that is, unto which hurt or condemnation, expressed by stumbling. They; that is, those unbelievers were appointed or ordained by God, through his judgment, for their infidelity. Some by stumbling, understand disobeying, or, unbelieving: and these make this the meaning of the words, viz. Into which disobedience or unbelief God suffered them to fall, through his just judgment, for their former sins. Others refer this clause to word, and make this the apostle's meaning, viz. Unto the obeying or believing of which word they were called of God.

V. 9. {chosen} That is, whom God has effectually called out of the world. See chap. 1.2. Deut. 7.7.

{royal} That is, kings and priests. See Exod. 19.6. Rev. 1.6. and 5.10. Kings, because of that power which they have, through Christ, over their lusts. See Phil. 4.13. Priests, because separated to the service of God. See v. 5.

{holy nation} See Exod. 19.6. and Deut. 7.6, &c.

{a peculiar people} Or, a purchased people.

{peculiar} Or, a people for possession: that is, a people whom God has purchased to be his own. See Exod. 19.5. Deut. 4.2. and 7.6. and 26.18. Psalm 135.4. Tit. 2.14. Acts 26.18. Eph. 1.14. 1 Thes. 5.9.

{praises} Or, virtues. That is, that we might glorify God in our conversations, thereby showing forth the abundant mercy and great power of God in calling us, Isa. 8.13.

{called you out of darkness} Col. 1.13.

{darkness} That is, ignorance, chap. 1.14. whereby is meant our sinful and miserable estate by nature, under which men are kept, through the ignorance of the gospel, Ephes. 4.18. and 5.8. Col. 1.13.

{his marvellous} Hereby is meant our estate of grace, through the effectual calling of God, by the knowledge of the truth. See 2 Cor. 4.6. Acts 13.47. and 26.18. Eph. 1.18. and 5.8. called marvelous, because of the great mystery of godliness, which is revealed in the gospel: and called his, because God reveals it. See the places before.

V. 10. Hence it is gathered by some, that this epistle was not written to the Jews only, but also to the Gentiles; because that of Hosea 2.23. is to be understood of the calling of the Gentiles, Rom. 9.25.

V. 11. {strangers} 1 Chron. 9.15. Here is a reason given why we ought to live holily, viz. because in this world we are strangers and pilgrims, and therefore we ought not to live according to the laws and lusts of the world, which is most corrupt.

{pilgrims} See chap. 1.17.

{abstain from fleshly lusts} Rom. 13.14. Gal. 5.16. Col. 1.5. 1 Thes. 2.5.

{fleshly} Flesh is often taken for corrupt nature, as Rom. 7.25. and 8.1,5,9,13. Gal. 5.19,24. Hence those lusts are called fleshly lusts, or the lusts of the flesh, which proceed from corrupt nature, Gal. 5.1. Rom. 13.14. Eph. 2.3. 2 Pet. 2.18. Sometimes the lusts of the flesh are taken for those lusts which are against the seventh commandment, as 1 John 2.16.

{war} Rom. 7.23. Gal. 5.17. James 4.1.

V. 12. {Having your conversation honest} Chap. 3.16. 1 Thes. 4.12.

{whereas} Or, wherein.

{speak against you} Chap. 3.16.

{they may by your good works} Mat. 5.16.

{visitation} When God in mercy shall call them to the fellowship of the gospel, Psalm 106.4. Luke 19.44.

V. 13. Gr. {Therefore} Hereby two things are implied: 1. That disobedience to the civil magistrate proceeds from fleshly lusts. See James 4.1. 2. That disobedience unto the civil magistrate opens the mouth of unbelievers against the professors of the gospel. See v. 11.

{Submit yourselves} Rom. 13.1. Tit. 3.1.

{ordinance of man} By ordinance, is meant, the framing and ordering of civil government: called the ordinance of man, not because it is invented by, or has its original from men: (for all power is from God, Rom. 13.1,7. though sometimes he uses men as means to derive power or government to such or such a person or persons, that so they might be the more willing to yield obedience) but because it is proper to men, or because it is discharged by men.

{for the Lord's sake} That is, out of obedience and conscience unto God, who has ordained the civil magistracy, and also has commanded obedience unto it, verse 14. Rom. 13.1, &c.

{supreme} That is, under God. There is therefore no other supreme on earth above the king, in his dominions.

V. 14. {for the punishment of evil doers} Rom. 13.3.

V. 15. {silence} Gr. stop, or bind up the mouth of, &c. See Matth. 22.12,34. 1 Cor. 9.9.

{men} Who are ready, out of their ignorance and folly, to charge the gospel, and to blaspheme it, as if it countenanced those sins which the professors thereof practice.

V. 15. {free} 1 Cor. 7.22. Here the apostle seems to prevent a secret objection. Some might reply; We are free, and therefore owe no obedience to any above us. The apostle grants the antecedent, understanding it of their freedom from the burden and curse of the law, and from the bondage of sin and Satan; but withal he admonishes them, not to withdraw, under the pretext of this their freedom, their obedience due unto the magistrate.

{using} Gr. having.

V. 17. {Honour} Or, esteem, Rom. 12.10. Phil. 2.3.

{all men} According to every man's state and calling.

{brotherhood} Those who are brethren in Christ.

V. 18. {Servants, be subject to your masters} Eph. 6.5. Col. 3.22. Tit. 2.9.

{all fear} Not only of punishment, but also of offending God.

{good} Who gently and kindly bear with you in your religious profession and practices. The apostle seems here to speak of such servants who lived under unbelieving masters, as it may be gathered from the next verse.

{froward} Gr. crooked; that is, who use you frowardly, hardly and scornfully, because of your Christian profession.

V. 19. {thankworthy} Or, thank.

{for conscience} Gr. of God; that is, because of that religion which you profess, and those religious duties which you perform, out of obedience or conscience unto God.

V. 20. {glory} Luke 6.33.

{acceptable} Or, thank.

V. 21. {called} 2 Tim. 3.13. Acts 14.22. As disciples of Christ to bear his cross. See Matth. 10.38. and 16.24.

{for us} Some read, for you. Heb. 2.9. Rom. 5.7,8. 2 Cor. 5.14.

{example} John 13.15. It is a borrowed kind of speech, taken from painters or schoolmasters.

V. 22. {who did no sin} Isa. 53.9.

V. 23. {committed himself} Or, committed his cause. That is, gave up or delivered over his will unto his Father's, in his suffering, Matth. 26.39. Or, he committed the revenge of his innocency unto God, giving us an example herein not to revenge our own cause, though never so innocent.

V. 24. {bare our sins} Isa. 53.4,5,6. Or, bare up our sins; Heb. 9.28. That is, the punishment of our sins: see Lev. 5.1. and 10.17. Gal. 5.10.

{on} Or, to.

{tree} That is, the cross, whereon he did consummate and perfect his satisfaction for our sins, Eph. 2.6. Col. 1.20.

{dead} Luke 1.95. Rom. 6.1,2, &c. Tit. 2.11,12, &c. 2 Cor. 15.5. see Rom. 6.2.

{stripes} See Isa. 53.5.

V. 25. {For} Here he calls servants back from the consideration of those injuries which they suffered for Christ, unto those benefits which they received by him, that so he might work them unto patience.

{sheep going astray} Isa. 53.6.

{Shepherd} Ezek. 34.25. and 37.24. John 10.11. Heb. 13.20.

CHAPTER 3

Verse 1. {Ye wives} Genesis 3.16. Ephes. 5.22. Coloss. 3.18. Tit. 2.5.

{be in subjection} Or, subject your selves. See chap. 2.5.

{husbands} He speaks of unbelieving husbands, unto whom believing wives should be the more subject, that so, by their honest and chaste conversation, they might gain them unto the Lord; that is, be an occasion of gaining them. See Matth. 18.15. 1 Cor. 9.19. For, such husbands seeing the good conversation of their wives, may be brought to have a liking and good opinion of the gospel, and so to have a desire to it, and by the grace of God, to frame their life unto it.

{be won} 1 Cor. 7.16.

V. 2. {fear} Both of offending their husbands, and of offending God.

V. 3. {whose adorning} 1 Tim. 2.9. Isa. 3.16.

{adorning} The apostle does not here absolutely forbid women to adorn themselves; see Gen. 29.30. so it be without excess and pride, and according to their places: but comparatively, that is, that they make not that outward adorning their chief ornament.

V. 4. {hidden} This is opposed to the outward decking of the body. Hereby is meant the new man, which according to God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Ephes. 4.24. See Rom. 2.29. and 7.22. 2 Cor. 4.16.

{in that} That is, which hidden man of the heart is manifested by a meek and quiet spirit, without hypocrisy.

{the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit} Gr. in the sincerity of a meek and quiet, &c. see Eph. 6.24. Tit. 2.7.

V. 5. {being in subjection} See verse 1.

V. 6. {calling him Lord} Gen. 18.12.

{daughters} Gr. children.

{any fear} Because women are by nature fearful, he gives them to understand, that he requires of them that subjection which is not wrung out of them by force and fear. Or, and are not afraid with any amazement arising out of an accusing conscience of doing evil.

V. 7. {husbands} Col. 3.14. Here the apostle turns himself to believing husbands, showing them how they should behave themselves to their believing wives.

{according} That is, carry yourselves wisely and discreetly towards them.

{giving honour} That is, giving them due respect, taking care and providing for them, and bearing with them in their weaknesses.

{weaker} It is usual in the Scripture to compare man in general unto a vessel; see 1 Sam. 21. 1 Thes. 4.4. 2 Cor. 4.7. Hence the woman is here called weaker vessel, because generally she is weaker both in the faculties of her soul, and the constitution of her body. And in that she is called the weaker vessel, thereby is implied the reason wherefore husbands must so carry themselves as before, viz. because women are the weaker vessels. Weaker vessels, as those of glass and earth, we use carefully and tenderly: and so husbands should carry themselves towards their wives.

{and as being heirs together of} Some copies read, and as to heirs with you of, &c.

{grace} That is, life eternal, which is through grace, Rom. 6.23. 2 Tim. 1.9.

{hindered} By brawling and chiding, arising out of your indiscreet carriage. And here, by prayers, understand all other duties belonging to the worship of God.

V. 8. {Finally} Here Saint Peter comes to common exhortation, and commends concord, and whatsoever things make thereunto.

{one mind} Rom. 12.16. and 15.5. Phil. 3.16. 1 Cor. 1.10.

{love as brethren} Or, loving to the brethren.

V. 9. {Not rendering evil for evil} Prov. 17.13. and 20.22. Matth. 5.39,44. Rom. 12.14,17. 1 Thes. 5.15.

{knowing} Here is a reason given why they should not render evil for evil, viz. because of that great blessing of eternal life, whereunto they were called.

V. 10. {He that will love life} Psalm 34.12, &c.

{tongue from evil} Prov. 4.24. and 18.21.

V. 11. {eschew evil} Isa. 1.16.

V. 12. {against} Gr. upon.

V. 13. {And who} Hereby is implied, that the honest conversation of the faithful, does oftentimes prevail with, and mollify the hearts of cruel persecutors.

V. 14. {But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake} Matth. 5.10.

{happy are ye} Mat. 10.28. James 1.12. 1 Pet. 4.14.

{be not afraid} Isa. 8.12,13. he means that kind of fear and trouble of mind, wherewith wicked men fear in times of trouble, that is, with a fear without patience and trust in God, and such as is accompanied with consternation and amazement, so that they know not which way to turn themselves. See Isa. 7.2. Matth. 2.3. John 14.1. and 16.1.

V. 15. {sanctify} That is, glorify God by your patient suffering, and faithful trusting in him. Or, bless God in your hearts, for that he has accounted you worthy to suffer for righteousness' sake, see Acts 5.41. 2 Cor. 3.11. Phil. 1.29. Col. 1.24.

{every man} That is, if God's honor and the good of those who ask or require it; otherwise we must not cast pearls before swine: see Matth. 7.6.

{fear} Or, reverence.

V. 16. {Having} Chap. 2.12. see chap. 2.19.

{speak evil} See chap. 2.12.

{in Christ} That is, according to his doctrine.

V. 17. {better} That is, it is good to suffer for well-doing, and not for evil: See the like, Psalm 118.8. 1 Cor. 7.9.

{the will of God} Chap. 4.19.

V. 18. {For} Here he again propounds the example of Christ, as chap. 2.21.

{once} Heb. 7.26. For all, never to die or suffer again. See Rom. 5.6. Heb. 9.28.

{the just for the unjust} Rom. 5.6, &c.

{bring} Reconcile us unto God. See Eph. 2.13, &c. Col. 1.19, &c. 2 Cor. 5.18.

{being put to death} 2 Cor. 13.4.

{in the flesh} That is, according to his human nature. See chap. 4.1. Rom. 1.3. 1 Tim. 3.16.

{Spirit} By his divine nature. So Rom. 1.4. 1 Tim. 3.16. Heb. 9.14.

V. 19. {went} Not by any local motion, but by the manifestation and power of his Spirit. See chap. 4.14. Gen. 6.3.

{preached} That is, by the ministry of Noah, or some others; Eph. 2.17.

{spirits in} That is, now, when Saint Peter wrote this epistle; though not so, when they were preached unto.

V. 20. {disobedient} That is, unbelieving. See John 2.26. Acts 14.2. Rom. 7.8. Heb. 3.18.

{by water} That is, through the means of water, which did bear up the ark.

V. 21. {The like} That is, answerable to which salvation by water.

{not} There is no reason for this parenthesis.

{answer} Herein Saint Peter may seem to have respect unto that rite or ceremony, which was used in the baptism of those who were of age. The person baptizing, asked the person to be baptized, Whether he believed; and he answered, I believe, &c. Hence, by the answer of a good conscience, we may understand that unfeigned faith whereof they made confession at their baptism, and whereby their consciences were purified, and whereby they received the remission of their sins, testified by Christ's resurrection from the dead. Some understand, by the answer, &c. that covenant whereinto they entered at their baptism, the embracing whereof they testified by their unfeigned confession of their faith.

V. 22. {the right hand of God} Psalm 110.1. Heb. 1.3.

CHAPTER 4

Verse 1. {For} The scope of Saint Peter here, is to persuade them to abstain from the lusts of the world, from their communion and fellowship in the death of Christ, whereby they were dead unto sin, and therefore they ought not any longer to live therein. See this argument pressed more largely, Rom. 6.6, &c. Gal. 5.24. and 6.14.

{suffered} That is, dead unto the flesh, that is, in his corrupt nature: or, who has his corrupt nature crucified in him.

{flesh} See chap. 3.18.

{ceased} He speaks of what they ought to do, not of that which they always do.

V. 2. {rest} That is, so much of this present life which yet remains to be passed over.

{to the lusts of men} Rom. 12.2.

V. 3. {For} By putting us in mind of our former life spent in the lusts of the world, he calls us unto repentance.

V. 4. {wherein they think it strange} Isa. 59.15.

{strange} So verse 12.

V. 5. {him} See James 2.5,8.

{judge the quick and the dead} Acts 10.42.

V. 6. {dead} That is, in Saint Peter's days, though not when the gospel was preached unto them.

{that} Here is the end wherefore the gospel was preached unto them, viz. for the mortification of their flesh, and the renewing in their spirits, according to the will of God. See verse 2.

{judged} That is, mortified in the flesh. The antecedent is put for the consequent: see 1 Cor. 5.5.

V. 7. {the end} See James 8.9.

{all things} 1 John 2.17.

{at hand} Phil. 4.5.

{sober and watch} Matth. 26.41. 1 Pet. 5.8.

{watch} That is, be assiduous or constant in prayer, watching all opportunities to perform that service unto God. See chap. 5.8. Luke 18.1. and 21.36. Rom. 12.12. 1 Thes. 5.17. Eph. 6.18.

V. 8. {fervent} See chap. 1.22.

{shall} Or, will.

{cover} It does, as it were, bury a multitude of sins in others, and thereby preserves peace and concord: see Prov. 10.12.

V. 9. {use hospitality} Rom. 12.13. Heb. 13.2.

{grudging} Or, murmuring, Phil. 2.14.

V. 10. {As every man hath received} Rom. 12.6.

{stewards} Matth. 21.14. Luke 12.42. 1 Cor. 4.1,2.

{manifold} 1 Cor. 12.4. Rom. 12.6.

{grace} That is, gifts bestowed through the free and undeserved grace of God.

V. 11. {as oracles} That is, reverently, considering diligently whose word it is: see Rom. 3.2.

{minister} Some understand this of the duty of deacons; but more probably it is to be understood of the duty of all Christians; all being bound to help one another, according to that measure of gifts which God has bestowed on them.

V. 12. {strange} See verse 4. Because hereunto you are called.

{fiery trial} That is, those cruel persecutions which you suffer. It is a metaphor taken from goldsmiths, who try their gold in the fire: see chap. 1.7. Psalm 66.10.

{try} See 1 Cor. 6.4. James 1.3.

V. 13. {rejoice} Luke 6.23. Col. 1.24.

{of Christ's sufferings} Or, sufferings for Christ.

{glory shall be revealed} Col. 3.3. James 1.12.

V. 14. {If ye be reproached} Matth. 5.11.

{for} That is, it is an argument that the Spirit of God is in you, upholding you under so great trials. See Col. 1.11.

{happy are ye} Chap. 3.14. James 1.12.

{Spirit of glory} That is, the glorious Spirit of God.

{glorified} By your true and bold profession of him, under so many and so cruel trials.

V. 15. {suffer as a murderer} Chap. 2.20.

V. 16. {Christian} The professors of Christ are so called, from Christ, in whom they believe, and whom they profess. See James 2.7.

V. 17. {time is come} Isa. 10.12. Jer. 21.29. and 49.12.

{judgment} That is, thereby understand those chastisements wherewith God chastises his own people for their sins.

{house} That is, his church and faithful people: see Eph. 1.

{and if it first begin at us} Luke 23.31.

V. 18. {And if the righteous scarcely be saved} Prov. 11.31.

V. 19. {will of God} Chap. 3.17.

{commit} It is a metaphor taken from those who use to commit jewels, or gold, and the like, to the trust of some faithful friend, for safe keeping. Hence those are said to commit themselves to God, who in their afflictions, through faith, rest on God's faithful promises of taking care for them.

{souls} That is, themselves.

{Creator} Who will not forsake the work of his own hands, Psalm 133.8.

CHAPTER 5

Verse 1. {Elders} So the ministers of God's word are styled: because usually men of good age were chosen to that office, 1. That they might not be despised for their youth, 1 Tim. 4.12. 2. That they might be well grounded in the truth, and so not be apt to be carried away with divers doctrines, Eph. 4.14.

{and a witness of the sufferings of Christ} Luke 24.48.

{a partaker} Rom. 8.17,18.

{glory} This he speaks, either in respect of his being present at our Savior's transfiguration, Matth. 17.1, &c. which was a glimpse of that glory wherewith he shall appear at the last day; or else in respect of those first-fruits of glory, whereof he himself was partaker in this life.

V. 2. {flock of God} Acts 20.28.

{which is among you} Or, as much as in you is.

{lucre} Tit. 1.7. 1 Tim. 3.3,8.

V. 3. {being lords over} Or, over-ruling.

{lords} That is, not imperiously commanding your own inventions, instead of the doctrine of the gospel; nor carrying themselves insolently, and magisterially towards God's people; 3 John verse 9.

{heritage} So the faithful are called, because of that peculiar right which God has in them.

{ensamples to the flock} Phil. 3.17. 2 Thes. 3.9. 1 Tim. 4.12. Tit. 2.7.

V. 4. {Shepherd} Heb. 13.26.

{fadeth not away} Chap. 1.4. 1 Cor. 9.25.

V. 5. {all of you be subject to one another} Rom. 12.10. Eph. 5.21.

{God resisteth the proud} James 4.6.

V. 6. {Humble} See James 4.10.

V. 7. {casting} See chap. 4.19. Psalm 37.22. Matth. 6.25.

V. 8. {Be sober} Chap. 4.7. Luke 21.36.

V. 9. {resist stedfast in the faith} Eph. 6.11. James 4.7.

{knowing} The persecutions which Satan stirs up against God's people, are neither new, nor proper to any one man; but from old, and common to the whole church; and therefore we must suffer that patiently, wherein we have so many fellows of our conflicts and combats.

V. 10. {a while} Chap. 1.7. 2 Cor. 4.17.

{perfect} Heb. 13.21.

V. 12. {briefly} Heb. 13.22.

{exhorting} Here is a brief argument of the whole epistle.

V. 13. {elected} See chap. 1.2.

V. 14. {Greet ye one another} Rom. 16.16. 1 Cor. 16.20. 2 Cor. 13.12. 1 Thes. 5.26.