Chapter 1
The same great doctrines, as in St. Paul's epistles, are here
applied to same practical purposes. And this epistle is
remarkable for the sweetness, gentleness, and humble love, with
which it is written. It gives a short, and yet a very clear
summary, both of the consolations and the instructions needful
for the encouragement and direction of a Christian in his
journey to heaven, raising his thoughts and desires to that
happiness, and strengthening him against all opposition in the
way, both from corruption within, and temptations and
afflictions without.
The apostle blesses God for his special benefits through
Christ. (1-9) Salvation by Christ foretold in ancient prophecy.
(10-12) All are exhorted to holy conversation. (13-16) Such as
is suitable to their principles, privileges, and obligations.
(17-25)
Verses 1-9
This epistle is addressed to believers in general, who are
strangers in every city or country where they live, and are
scattered through the nations. These are to ascribe their
salvation to the electing love of the Father, the redemption of
the Son, and the sanctification of the Holy Ghost; and so to
give glory to one God in three Persons, into whose name they had
been baptized. Hope, in the world's phrase, refers only to an
uncertain good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon
sand, and the worldling's hopes of heaven are blind and
groundless conjectures. But the hope of the sons of the living
God is a living hope; not only as to its object, but as to its
effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses, enables
to meet and get over all difficulties. Mercy is the spring of
all this; yea, great mercy and manifold mercy. And this
well-grounded hope of salvation, is an active and living
principle of obedience in the soul of the believer. The matter
of a Christian's joy, is the remembrance of the happiness laid
up for him. It is incorruptible, it cannot come to nothing, it
is an estate that cannot be spent. Also undefiled; this
signifies its purity and perfection. And it fadeth not; is not
sometimes more or less pleasant, but ever the same, still like
itself. All possessions here are stained with defects and
failings; still something is wanting: fair houses have sad cares
flying about the gilded and ceiled roofs; soft beds and full
tables, are often with sick bodies and uneasy stomachs. All
possessions are stained with sin, either in getting or in using
them. How ready we are to turn the things we possess into
occasions and instruments of sin, and to think there is no
liberty or delight in their use, without abusing them! Worldly
possessions are uncertain and soon pass away, like the flowers
and plants of the field. That must be of the greatest worth,
which is laid up in the highest and best place, in heaven. Happy
are those whose hearts the Holy Spirit sets on this inheritance.
God not only gives his people grace, but preserves them unto
glory. Every believer has always something wherein he may
greatly rejoice; it should show itself in the countenance and
conduct. The Lord does not willingly afflict, yet his wise love
often appoints sharp trials, to show his people their hearts,
and to do them good at the latter end. Gold does not increase by
trial in the fire, it becomes less; but faith is made firm, and
multiplied, by troubles and afflictions. Gold must perish at
last, and can only purchase perishing things, while the trial of
faith will be found to praise, and honour, and glory. Let this
reconcile us to present afflictions. Seek then to believe
Christ's excellence in himself, and his love to us; this will
kindle such a fire in the heart as will make it rise up in a
sacrifice of love to him. And the glory of God and our own
happiness are so united, that if we sincerely seek the one now,
we shall attain the other when the soul shall no more be subject
to evil. The certainty of this hope is as if believers had
already received it.
Verses 10-12
Jesus Christ was the main subject of the prophets'
studies. Their inquiry into the sufferings of Christ and the
glories that should follow, would lead to a view of the whole
gospel, the sum whereof is, That Christ Jesus was delivered for
our offences, and raised again for our justification. God is
pleased to answer our necessities rather than our requests. The
doctrine of the prophets, and that of the apostles, exactly
agree, as coming from the same Spirit of God. The gospel is the
ministration of the Spirit; its success depends upon his
operation and blessing. Let us then search diligently those
Scriptures which contain the doctrines of salvation.
Verses 13-16
As the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the
labourer, gathered in their long and loose garments, that they
might be ready in their business, so let Christians do by their
minds and affections. Be sober, be watchful against all
spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate in all
behaviour. Be sober-minded in opinion, as well as in practice,
and humble in your judgment of yourselves. A strong and perfect
trust in the grace of God, is agreeable with best endeavours in
our duty. Holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. It
must be in all affairs, in every condition, and towards all
people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to
which we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest
rule of a Christian's life, and by this rule we are commanded to
be holy every way. God makes those holy whom he saves.
Verses 17-25
Holy confidence in God as a Father, and awful fear of him
as a Judge, agree together; and to regard God always as a Judge,
makes him dear to us as a Father. If believers do evil, God will
visit them with corrections. Then, let Christians not doubt
God's faithfulness to his promises, nor give way to enslaving
dread of his wrath, but let them reverence his holiness. The
fearless professor is defenceless, and Satan takes him captive
at his will; the desponding professor has no heart to avail
himself of his advantages, and is easily brought to surrender.
The price paid for man's redemption was the precious blood of
Christ. Not only openly wicked, but unprofitable conversation is
highly dangerous, though it may plead custom. It is folly to
resolve, I will live and die in such a way, because my
forefathers did so. God had purposes of special favour toward
his people, long before he made manifest such grace unto them.
But the clearness of light, the supports of faith, the power of
ordinances, are all much greater since Christ came upon earth,
than they were before. The comfort is, that being by faith made
one with Christ, his present glory is an assurance that where he
is we shall be also,
John 14:3
. The soul must be purified,
before it can give up its own desires and indulgences. And the
word of God planted in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is a means
of spiritual life, stirring up to our duty, working a total
change in the dispositions and affections of the soul, till it
brings to eternal life. In contrast with the excellence of the
renewed spiritual man, as born again, observe the vanity of the
natural man. In his life, and in his fall, he is like grass, the
flower of grass, which soon withers and dies away. We should
hear, and thus receive and love, the holy, living word, and
rather hazard all than lose it; and we must banish all other
things from the place due to it. We should lodge it in our
hearts as our only treasures here, and the certain pledge of the
treasure of glory laid up for believers in heaven.
A temper suitable to the Christian character as born again, is
recommended. (1-10) Holy conversation among the Gentiles
directed. (11,12) Subjects exhorted to pay all proper obedience
to their civil governors. (13-17) Also servants to their
masters, and all to be patient, according to the example of the
suffering Saviour. (18-25)
Verses 1-10
Evil-speaking is a sign of malice and guile in the heart;
and hinders our profiting by the word of God. A new life needs
suitable food. Infants desire milk, and make the best endeavours
for it which they are able to do; such must be a Christian's
desires after the word of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is very
merciful to us miserable sinners; and he has a fulness of grace.
But even the best of God's servants, in this life, have only a
taste of the consolations of God. Christ is called a Stone, to
teach his servants that he is their protection and security, the
foundation on which they are built. He is precious in the
excellence of his nature, the dignity of his office, and the
glory of his services. All true believers are a holy priesthood;
sacred to God, serviceable to others, endowed with heavenly
gifts and graces. But the most spiritual sacrifices of the best
in prayer and praise are not acceptable, except through Jesus
Christ. Christ is the chief Corner-stone, that unites the whole
number of believers into one everlasting temple, and bears the
weight of the whole fabric. Elected, or chosen, for a foundation
that is everlasting. Precious beyond compare, by all that can
give worth. To be built on Christ means, to believe in him; but
in this many deceive themselves, they consider not what it is,
nor the necessity of it, to partake of the salvation he has
wrought. Though the frame of the world were falling to pieces,
that man who is built on this foundation may hear it without
fear. He shall not be confounded. The believing soul makes haste
to Christ, but it never finds cause to hasten from him. All true
Christians are a chosen generation; they make one family, a
people distinct from the world: of another spirit, principle,
and practice; which they could never be, if they were not chosen
in Christ to be such, and sanctified by his Spirit. Their first
state is a state of gross darkness, but they are called out of
darkness into a state of joy, pleasure, and prosperity; that
they should show forth the praises of the Lord by their
profession of his truth, and their good conduct. How vast their
obligations to Him who has made them his people, and has shown
mercy to them! To be without this mercy is a woful state, though
a man have all worldly enjoyments. And there is nothing that so
kindly works repentance, as right thoughts of the mercy and love
of God. Let us not dare to abuse and affront the free grace of
God, if we mean to be saved by it; but let all who would be
found among those who obtain mercy, walk as his people.
Verses 11-12
Even the best of men, the chosen generation, the people
of God, need to be exhorted to keep from the worst sins. And
fleshly lusts are most destructive to man's soul. It is a sore
judgment to be given up to them. There is a day of visitation
coming, wherein God may call to repentance by his word and his
grace; then many will glorify God, and the holy lives of his
people will have promoted the happy change.
Verses 13-17
A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot
be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative
duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to
those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's
duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and
foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to
behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or
covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but
they must remember that they are servants of God.
Verses 18-25
Servants in those days generally were slaves, and had
heathen masters, who often used them cruelly; yet the apostle
directs them to be subject to the masters placed over them by
Providence, with a fear to dishonour or offend God. And not only
to those pleased with reasonable service, but to the severe, and
those angry without cause. The sinful misconduct of one
relation, does not justify sinful behaviour in the other; the
servant is bound to do his duty, though the master may be
sinfully froward and perverse. But masters should be meek and
gentle to their servants and inferiors. What glory or
distinction could it be, for professed Christians to be patient
when corrected for their faults? But if when they behaved well
they were ill treated by proud and passionate heathen masters,
yet bore it without peevish complaints, or purposes of revenge,
and persevered in their duty, this would be acceptable to God as
a distinguishing effect of his grace, and would be rewarded by
him. Christ's death was designed not only for an example of
patience under sufferings, but he bore our sins; he bore the
punishment of them, and thereby satisfied Divine justice. Hereby
he takes them away from us. The fruits of Christ's sufferings
are the death of sin, and a new holy life of righteousness; for
both which we have an example, and powerful motives, and ability
to perform also, from the death and resurrection of Christ. And
our justification; Christ was bruised and crucified as a
sacrifice for our sins, and by his stripes the diseases of our
souls are cured. Here is man's sin; he goes astray; it is his
own act. His misery; he goes astray from the pasture, from the
Shepherd, and from the flock, and so exposes himself to dangers
without number. Here is the recovery by conversion; they are now
returned as the effect of Divine grace. This return is, from all
their errors and wanderings, to Christ. Sinners, before their
conversion, are always going astray; their life is a continued
error.
The duties of wives and husbands. (1-7) Christians exhorted to
agree. (8-13) And encouraged to patience under persecutions for
righteousness' sake, considering that Christ suffered patiently.
(14-22)
Verses 1-7
The wife must discharge her duty to her own husband, though
he obey not the word. We daily see how narrowly evil men watch
the ways and lives of professors of religion. Putting on of
apparel is not forbidden, but vanity and costliness in ornament.
Religious people should take care that all their behaviour
answers to their profession. But how few know the right measure
and bounds of those two necessaries of life, food and raiment!
Unless poverty is our carver, and cuts us short, there is
scarcely any one who does not desire something beyond what is
good for us. Far more are beholden to the lowliness of their
state, than the lowliness of their mind; and many will not be so
bounded, but lavish their time and money upon trifles. The
apostle directs Christian females to put on something not
corruptible, that beautifies the soul, even the graces of God's
Holy Spirit. A true Christian's chief care lies in right
ordering his own spirit. This will do more to fix the
affections, and excite the esteem of a husband, than studied
ornaments or fashionable apparel, attended by a froward and
quarrelsome temper. Christians ought to do their duty to one
another, from a willing mind, and in obedience to the command of
God. Wives should be subject to their husbands, not from dread
and amazement, but from desire to do well, and please God. The
husband's duty to the wife implies giving due respect unto her,
and maintaining her authority, protecting her, and placing trust
in her. They are heirs together of all the blessings of this
life and that which is to come, and should live peaceably one
with another. Prayer sweetens their converse. And it is not
enough that they pray with the family, but husband and wife
together by themselves, and with their children. Those who are
acquainted with prayer, find such unspeakable sweetness in it,
that they will not be hindered therein. That you may pray much,
live holily; and that you may live holily, be much in prayer.
Verses 8-13
Though Christians cannot always be exactly of the same
mind, yet they should have compassion one of another, and love
as brethren. If any man desires to live comfortably on earth, or
to possess eternal life in heaven, he must bridle his tongue
from wicked, abusive, or deceitful words. He must forsake and
keep far from evil actions, do all the good he can, and seek
peace with all men. For God, all-wise and every where present,
watches over the righteous, and takes care of them. None could
or should harm those who copied the example of Christ, who is
perfect goodness, and did good to others as his followers.
Verses 14-22
We sanctify God before others, when our conduct invites
and encourages them to glorify and honour him. What was the
ground and reason of their hope? We should be able to defend our
religion with meekness, in the fear of God. There is no room for
any other fears where this great fear is; it disturbs not. The
conscience is good, when it does its office well. That person is
in a sad condition on whom sin and suffering meet: sin makes
suffering extreme, comfortless, and destructive. Surely it is
better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing, whatever
our natural impatience at times may suggest. The example of
Christ is an argument for patience under sufferings. In the case
of our Lord's suffering, he that knew no sin, suffered instead
of those who knew no righteousness. The blessed end and design
of our Lord's sufferings were, to reconcile us to God, and to
bring us to eternal glory. He was put to death in respect of his
human nature, but was quickened and raised by the power of the
Holy Spirit. If Christ could not be freed from sufferings, why
should Christians think to be so? God takes exact notice of the
means and advantages people in all ages have had. As to the old
world, Christ sent his Spirit; gave warning by Noah. But though
the patience of God waits long, it will cease at last. And the
spirits of disobedient sinners, as soon as they are out of their
bodies, are committed to the prison of hell, where those that
despised Noah's warning now are, and from whence there is no
redemption. Noah's salvation in the ark upon the water, which
carried him above the floods, set forth the salvation of all
true believers. That temporal salvation by the ark was a type of
the eternal salvation of believers by baptism of the Holy
Spirit. To prevent mistakes, the apostle declares what he means
by saving baptism; not the outward ceremony of washing with
water, which, in itself, does no more than put away the filth of
the flesh, but that baptism, of which the baptismal water formed
the sign. Not the outward ordinance, but when a man, by the
regeneration of the Spirit, was enabled to repent and profess
faith, and purpose a new life, uprightly, and as in the presence
of God. Let us beware that we rest not upon outward forms. Let
us learn to look on the ordinances of God spiritually, and to
inquire after the spiritual effect and working of them on our
consciences. We would willingly have all religion reduced to
outward things. But many who were baptized, and constantly
attended the ordinances, have remained without Christ, died in
their sins, and are now past recovery. Rest not then till thou
art cleansed by the Spirit of Christ and the blood of Christ.
His resurrection from the dead is that whereby we are assured of
purifying and peace.
The consideration of Christ's sufferings is urged for purity
and holiness. (1-6) And the approaching end of the Jewish state,
as a reason for sobriety, watchfulness, and prayer. (7-11)
Believers encouraged to rejoice and glory in reproaches and
sufferings for Christ, and to commit their souls to the care of
a faithful God. (12-19)
Verses 1-6
The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken
from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and
though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he
never gave way to the least sin. Temptations could not prevail,
were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make
the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of
their lives and actions. And true conversion makes a marvellous
change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment,
affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it
is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life
has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are here
mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a
Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but
also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel
had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and
carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some
even suffering death. But being quickened to Divine life by the
Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not
believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.
Verses 7-11
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold
by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death
and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead
our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make
us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There
are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers,
excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for
which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will
prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to
suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of
those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The
nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work,
the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward,
all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest.
And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the
glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled
wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only
perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are
often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must
shortly perish together. But he who has given up himself and his
all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion;
and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and
lasting; that abideth for ever.
Verses 12-19
By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on
the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit
hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt
and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil spoken of, and is
blasphemed. One would think such cautions as these were needless
to Christians. But their enemies falsely charged them with foul
crimes. And even the best of men need to be warned against the
worst of sins. There is no comfort in sufferings, when we bring
them upon ourselves by our own sin and folly. A time of
universal calamity was at hand, as foretold by our Saviour, Mt
24:9,10. And if such things befall in this life, how awful will
the day of judgment be! It is true that the righteous are
scarcely saved; even those who endeavour to walk uprightly in
the ways of God. This does not mean that the purpose and
performance of God are uncertain, but only the great
difficulties and hard encounters in the way; that they go
through so many temptations and tribulations, so many fightings
without and fears within. Yet all outward difficulties would be
as nothing, were it not for lusts and corruptions within. These
are the worst clogs and troubles. And if the way of the
righteous be so hard, then how hard shall be the end of the
ungodly sinner, who walks in sin with delight, and thinks the
righteous is a fool for all his pains! The only way to keep the
soul well, is, to commit it to God by prayer, and patient
perseverance in well-doing. He will overrule all to the final
advantage of the believer.
Elders exhorted and encouraged. (1-4) Younger Christians are
to submit to their elders, and to yield with humility and
patience to God, and to be sober, watchful, and stedfast in
faith. (5-9) Prayers for their growth and establishment. (10-14)
Verses 1-4
The apostle Peter does not command, but exhorts. He does
not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches. It was
the peculiar honour of Peter and a few more, to be witnesses of
Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true
Christians to partake of the glory that shall be revealed. These
poor, dispersed, suffering Christians, were the flock of God,
redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and
communion, according to the will of God. They are also dignified
with the title of God's heritage or clergy; his peculiar lot,
chosen for his own people, to enjoy his special favour, and to
do him special service. Christ is the chief Shepherd of the
whole flock and heritage of God. And all faithful ministers will
receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more
honourable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the
world.
Verses 5-9
Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian
churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives
grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To
be humble, and subject to our reconciled God, will bring greater
comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and
ambition. But it is to be in due time; not in thy fancied time,
but God's own wisely appointed time. Does he wait, and wilt not
thou? What difficulties will not the firm belief of his wisdom,
power, and goodness get over! Then be humble under his hand.
Cast "all you care;" personal cares, family cares, cares for the
present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others,
for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and often very
sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they
torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder
our delight in the service of God. The remedy is, to cast our
care upon God, and leave every event to his wise and gracious
disposal. Firm belief that the Divine will and counsels are
right, calms the spirit of a man. Truly the godly too often
forget this, and fret themselves to no purpose. Refer all to
God's disposal. The golden mines of all spiritual comfort and
good are wholly his, and the Spirit itself. Then, will he not
furnish what is fit for us, if we humbly attend on him, and lay
the care of providing for us, upon his wisdom and love? The
whole design of Satan is to devour and destroy souls. He always
is contriving whom he may insnare to eternal ruin. Our duty
plainly is, to be sober; to govern both the outward and the
inward man by the rules of temperance. To be vigilant;
suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy,
watchful and diligent to prevent his designs. Be stedfast, or
solid, by faith. A man cannot fight upon a quagmire, there is no
standing without firm ground to tread upon; this faith alone
furnishes. It lifts the soul to the firm advanced ground of the
promises, and fixes it there. The consideration of what others
suffer, is proper to encourage us to bear our share in any
affliction; and in whatever form Satan assaults us, or by
whatever means, we may know that our brethren experience the
same.
Verses 10-14
In conclusion, the apostle prays to God for them, as the
God of all grace. Perfect implies their progress towards
perfection. Stablish imports the curing of our natural lightness
and inconstancy. Strengthen has respect to the growth of graces,
especially where weakest and lowest. Settle signifies to fix
upon a sure foundation, and may refer to Him who is the
Foundation and Strength of believers. These expressions show
that perseverance and progress in grace are first to be sought
after by every Christian. The power of these doctrines on the
hearts, and the fruits in the lives, showed who are partakers of
the grace of God. The cherishing and increase of Christian love,
and of affection one to another, is no matter of empty
compliment, but the stamp and badge of Jesus Christ on his
followers. Others may have a false peace for a time, and wicked
men may wish for it to themselves and to one another; but theirs
is a vain hope, and will come to nought. All solid peace is
founded on Christ, and flows from him. |
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