1 Peter 4:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G2531} every man {G1538} hath received {G2983} the gift {G5486}, even so minister {G1247} the same {G846} one to another {G1519}{G1438}, as {G5613} good {G2570} stewards {G3623} of the manifold {G4164} grace {G5485} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As each one has received some spiritual gift, he should use it to serve others, like good managers of God’s many-sided grace —

Berean Standard Bible

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

American Standard Version

according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 4:10 serves as a foundational exhortation for believers, emphasizing that each individual has received a unique spiritual endowment from God. This divine gift is not for personal aggrandizement but is to be actively and humbly employed in service to other members of the Christian community. The verse underscores the principle of faithful stewardship, reminding believers that their abilities are entrusted resources from God, to be managed wisely as expressions of His diverse and abundant grace, ultimately for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Peter 4 marks a significant transition in the epistle. Having previously addressed the reality of suffering for righteousness' sake and the call to holy living amidst trials, Peter now shifts to practical instructions for communal life within the church, particularly in light of the eschatological urgency introduced in [1 Peter 4:7](/1_peter/4-7 "1 Peter 4:7 - The End of All Things is at Hand"). The preceding verses (7-9) call believers to sobriety, prayer, fervent love, and hospitality, all of which prepare the ground for the specific command in verse 10 regarding the use of spiritual gifts. Verse 10, in turn, flows directly into verse 11, which elaborates on two broad categories of gifts—speaking and ministering—and reiterates that all service should be done "as of the ability which God giveth," so that "God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." This immediate context highlights the interconnectedness of spiritual gifts with love, hospitality, and the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter writes to scattered believers (the "diaspora") across Asia Minor, who were experiencing various forms of social ostracism and nascent persecution. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "steward" (Greek: _oikonomos_) was well-understood. A steward was a trusted manager of a household or estate, responsible for overseeing resources, distributing provisions, and administering affairs on behalf of the owner. They were accountable for their management, not owners themselves. This cultural understanding illuminates Peter's use of the term, emphasizing that believers are not proprietors of their gifts but rather entrusted managers of God's resources. Furthermore, the call to "minister one to another" stood in stark contrast to the hierarchical and self-serving societal norms of the time, promoting a radical ethic of mutual service and humility within the nascent Christian communities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Peter and the broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Endowment**, asserting that every believer receives a "gift" (Greek: _charisma_), underscoring God's sovereign distribution of abilities for His purposes, a concept echoed in [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts of Grace") and [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts"). The command to "minister the same one to another" highlights **Mutual Ministry and Communal Responsibility**, emphasizing that gifts are for the edification of the body of Christ, fostering unity and love, as seen in [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love"). The phrase "good stewards" introduces the theme of **Faithful Stewardship**, reminding believers of their accountability to God for the resources (including gifts) entrusted to them, a principle powerfully illustrated in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents"). Finally, the "manifold grace of God" points to the **Abundance and Diversity of God's Grace**, which is the source and enabler of all spiritual gifts and service, ensuring that the church is fully equipped.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gift (Greek, _chárisma'_):** (G5486) From _charizomai_, meaning "a gift of grace." This term denotes a divine gratuity or a spiritual endowment, emphasizing that these abilities are freely given by God's unmerited favor, not earned by human merit. It refers specifically to the supernatural abilities and capacities bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers for the common good and building up of the church.
* **minister (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** (G1247) Derived from _diakonos_ (deacon), this verb means "to be an attendant," "to wait upon," or "to serve." It implies active, humble, and practical service, often in a menial capacity, reflecting a willingness to assist and provide for the needs of others. In this context, it signifies the active deployment of one's spiritual gift in tangible ways for the benefit of the community.
* **stewards (Greek, _oikonómos'_):** (G3623) From _oikos_ (house) and the root of _nomos_ (law/custom), meaning "a house-distributor" or "manager." This term describes someone entrusted with the management of another's property or affairs. It powerfully conveys the idea of accountability: believers are not owners of their gifts but responsible managers of God's resources, obligated to use them faithfully according to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As every man hath received the gift,"**: This opening clause establishes the universal principle that every single believer, without exception ("every man," G1538 _hékastos_), has been divinely endowed with a spiritual gift or ability ("the gift," G5486 _chárisma_). The verb "hath received" (G2983 _lambánō_) emphasizes that this is an act of reception, a gracious bestowal from God, not something earned or self-generated. It highlights God's sovereign initiative in equipping His people.
* **"even so minister the same one to another,"**: This is the core command and purpose of the gifts. The phrase "even so" (G2531 _kathṓs_) indicates a direct correlation: just as a gift is received, so it must be used. "Minister" (G1247 _diakonéō_) calls for active, humble service. The reciprocal phrase "one to another" (G1519 _eis_ G1438 _heautoû_) underscores the communal and interdependent nature of these gifts; they are not for individual display or private benefit, but for the mutual edification, support, and strengthening of the entire body of believers.
* **"as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."**: This concluding clause defines the manner and source of this ministry. Believers are to act "as good stewards" (G2570 _kalós_ G3623 _oikonómos_), meaning they are to manage God's entrusted gifts faithfully, responsibly, and effectively. The source of these gifts and the enabling power for their use is identified as "the manifold grace of God" (G4164 _poikílos_ G5485 _cháris_ G2316 _theós_). "Manifold" (G4164 _poikílos_) signifies that God's grace is diverse, multi-faceted, and varied in its expression, providing a wide array of gifts and enabling different forms of service, all stemming from His benevolent favor.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the use of "stewards." By calling believers "good stewards," Peter employs a familiar cultural concept to illustrate a profound theological truth: believers are not owners but managers of God's gifts and resources, implying accountability and faithful administration. This metaphor underscores the responsibility inherent in divine endowment. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** through repetition and parallel structure. The phrase "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another" creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship and highlights the reciprocal nature of Christian service. The diversity implied by "every man" receiving "the gift" and the "manifold grace of God" also suggests **Synecdoche**, where "the gift" represents the full spectrum of spiritual endowments, and "manifold grace" encapsulates the diverse ways God's favor manifests in equipping His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly theological, anchoring the practical command to serve in the very nature of God's grace and His relationship with humanity. It teaches that God is the ultimate Giver, sovereignly bestowing gifts according to His will, not human merit. This gifting establishes an inherent interdependence within the body of Christ, where each member is vital and necessary for the health and functioning of the whole. The concept of stewardship elevates Christian service from mere obligation to a sacred trust, implying that believers are accountable to God for how they manage the spiritual capital He has invested in them. The "manifold grace of God" is not just the source of these gifts but also the ongoing power that enables their effective use, ensuring that all ministry is empowered by divine favor, not human strength. This theological framework transforms service into an act of worship, flowing from and returning glory to God.

* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - The Body of Christ and Spiritual Gifts")
* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 4:10 calls every believer to a profound self-awareness and active participation in the life of the church. It challenges us to move beyond passive reception of God's grace to active deployment of the gifts we have been given. This means intentionally discerning our unique spiritual endowments, whether they involve speaking, serving, teaching, leading, showing mercy, or any other manifestation of God's varied grace. Once identified, these gifts are not to be hoarded or used for personal gain, but rather to be generously and humbly poured out for the benefit of others within the Christian community and, by extension, the world. To be a "good steward" implies diligence, faithfulness, and a constant awareness that our abilities are on loan from God, for which we are ultimately accountable. This verse cultivates a spirit of mutual dependence and self-giving love, fostering a vibrant, healthy, and unified body of Christ that effectively reflects God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "gift" or ability do I believe God has given me, and how am I currently using it for the benefit of others in my community?**
* **In what ways can I become a "better steward" of the time, talents, and resources God has entrusted to me?**
* **How does understanding God's "manifold grace" encourage me to serve, even when I feel inadequate or unqualified?**
* **Am I actively seeking opportunities to "minister one to another," or am I waiting to be asked or recognized?**

### FAQ

**What is the "gift" mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10, and how does one receive it?**

Answer: The "gift" (Greek: _charisma_) in [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewardship of Gifts") refers to a spiritual endowment or ability freely given by God's grace through the Holy Spirit to every believer. These are not natural talents, though God can certainly use those, but rather supernaturally empowered capacities for service within the body of Christ. Examples of such gifts include prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy, as listed in [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts of Grace"), or wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, and interpretation, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 12:8-10](/1_corinthians/12-8-10 "1 Corinthians 12:8-10 - Manifestations of the Spirit"). One receives these gifts not by earning them, but by God's sovereign act of grace upon conversion and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is on reception, not acquisition, highlighting God's initiative in equipping His people for ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 4:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect model in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who "received the gift" (the fullness of the Spirit without measure, as in [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")), and perfectly "ministered the same one to another." Christ's entire earthly life was an embodiment of humble service, as He declared that He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He was the quintessential "good steward" of God's manifold grace, faithfully executing the Father's will in every aspect of His ministry, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, it is through Christ that believers receive these very gifts, as He, having ascended, "gave gifts unto men" ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Gave Gifts to Men")). Thus, our call to minister as good stewards of God's manifold grace is not merely an ethical imperative, but a participation in the very life and mission of Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and ultimately bringing glory to God through Him ([1 Peter 4:11](/1_peter/4-11 "1 Peter 4:11 - Glorifying God Through Service")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.