1 Peter 4:17

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?

For {G3754} the time {G2540} is come that judgment {G2917} must begin {G756} at {G575} the house {G3624} of God {G2316}: and {G1161} if {G1487} it first {G4412} begin at {G575} us {G2257}, what {G5101} shall the end {G5056} be of them that obey not {G544} the gospel {G2098} of God {G2316}?

For the time has come for the judgment to begin. It begins with the household of God; and if it starts with us, what will the outcome be for those who are disobeying God’s Good News? —

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

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

1 Peter 4:17 presents a sobering truth about God's universal and impartial judgment, emphasizing that it begins with His own people before extending to those who reject His grace.

Context

This verse comes within a section of Peter's letter where he addresses the theme of suffering for Christ. Having previously encouraged believers to rejoice in their suffering, knowing that it is a participation in Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13) and a sign of God's Spirit resting upon them (1 Peter 4:14), Peter now shifts to the ultimate purpose of such trials. He suggests that these "fiery trials" (1 Peter 4:12) are part of a divine process of judgment that begins with God's household, the church, to purify and refine them.

Key Themes

  • The Commencement of Judgment: Peter declares that "the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God." This signifies that God's moral order and justice are active and will first address those who claim to be His. For believers, this judgment is not unto condemnation (as Christ has already borne the penalty for sin, Romans 8:1), but rather a process of purification, testing, and accountability. It involves the sifting of motives, deeds, and faithfulness within the Christian community.
  • The "House of God": This refers to the church, the community of believers (1 Timothy 3:15). The idea that judgment starts with God's own people underscores His holiness and His expectation of righteousness from those who bear His name. If judgment is necessary for believers, it highlights the seriousness of living a life pleasing to God.
  • The Fate of the Disobedient: The rhetorical question, "what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?", powerfully contrasts the experience of believers with that of unbelievers. If God's own children undergo a refining judgment, the fate of those who actively reject or "obey not the gospel" will be far more severe. This points to the ultimate and eternal consequences for those who refuse to submit to God's saving truth (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "judgment" here is krima (κρίμα), which can denote a judicial decision, a verdict, or the act of judging itself. In the context of believers, it often implies a sifting or evaluation rather than condemnation. The phrase "house of God" is oikou Theou (οἴκου Θεοῦ), clearly indicating God's household or family, the church. To "obey not the gospel" uses apeithousin (ἀπειθοῦσιν), meaning to be disobedient, unbelieving, or unpersuaded, highlighting an active resistance to God's good news.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound call to self-examination and holiness for believers. It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires active obedience and a life transformed by the gospel. Understanding that God's refining judgment begins with us should motivate us to live righteously, confess our sins, and walk in humility. For those who have not yet embraced the gospel, the verse serves as a stark warning about the inevitable and severe consequences of refusing God's gracious offer of salvation. It underscores the urgency of responding to Christ's call and embracing His saving work.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 25:29

    For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8

    In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Ezekiel 9:6

    Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

  • Romans 2:9

    Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • Luke 12:47

    And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

  • Luke 12:48

    But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

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