1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

Wherein {G1722}{G3739} they think it strange {G3579} that ye {G5216} run {G4936} not {G3361} with them to {G1519} the same {G846} excess {G401} of riot {G810}, speaking evil of {G987} you:

They think it strange that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of dissoluteness, and so they heap insults on you.

Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

Context of 1 Peter 4:4

This verse is part of Peter's exhortation to believers on how to live in light of Christ's suffering and impending judgment. In the preceding verses (1 Peter 4:1-3), Peter encourages Christians to arm themselves with the same mind as Christ, ready to suffer in the flesh, thereby ceasing from sin. He reminds them that they have already spent enough time living according to the desires of the Gentiles—in various forms of immorality and idolatry. Verse 4 directly addresses the social consequences of this radical change in lifestyle.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Distinctive Christian Living: The verse highlights the stark contrast between the former life of sin and the new life in Christ. Believers are called to a path of righteousness that often stands in opposition to worldly norms and behaviors.
  • Separation from Worldly Practices: Peter emphasizes that Christians no longer participate in the "excess of riot" (Greek: asotia), which refers to profligacy, debauchery, and unrestrained living. This separation is a natural outcome of genuine conversion and a commitment to God's will.
  • Misunderstanding and Persecution: Those who remain in their former sinful ways find it "strange" (or surprising/shocking) that believers no longer join them. This surprise often leads to "speaking evil of you" (Greek: blasphemountes), meaning slandering, reviling, or speaking abusively against Christians. This shows that living a godly life can provoke hostility from those who reject God's standards.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "excess of riot" translates the Greek word asotia, which describes a life of wasteful extravagance, dissolute conduct, and utter profligacy. It signifies a lack of moral restraint and a reckless abandonment to sensual pleasures. This term vividly captures the kind of wild, unrestrained living that characterized much of pagan society, from which many early Christians had converted. The term "speaking evil of you" comes from blasphemountes, implying not just disagreement, but active slander and defamation, often accompanied by accusations or insults designed to damage the reputation of believers.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for believers today. As Christians, we are called to live distinctively, not conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). This often means saying "no" to activities, entertainment, or social norms that contradict biblical principles, even if they are widely accepted or celebrated by society. We should expect that our changed behavior might be misunderstood, mocked, or even lead to accusations and slander from those who do not share our faith. Peter's words encourage us not to be surprised by such reactions, but to stand firm in our commitment to Christ, remembering that our ultimate accountability is to God. Our godly conduct, even when reviled, serves as a powerful testimony.

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.

  • 1 Peter 3:16

    ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Jude 1:10

    But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

  • 2 Peter 2:12

    But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

  • Romans 13:13

    Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
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