1Pe 4:1
4:1 Forasmuch {1} then as Christ hath suffered for us in the
    flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he
    that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

 (1) Having ended his digression and sliding from his matter,
     now he returns to the exhortation which he broke off,
     taking occasion by that which he said concerning the death
     and resurrection of Christ, so defining our sanctification,
     that to be sanctified, is all one has to suffer in the
     flesh, that is to say, to leave off from our wickedness and
     viciousness: and to rise again to God, that is to say, to
     be renewed by the virtue of the holy Spirit, that we may
     lead the rest of our life which remains after the will of
     God.

1Pe 4:2
4:2 That he no longer should live the {a} rest of [his] time in
    the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

    (a) So much of this present life as remains yet to be passed
        over.

1Pe 4:3
4:3 {2} For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have
    wrought the {b} will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
    lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings,
    banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

 (2) By putting us in mind of the dishonesty of our former life
     led in the filth of sin, he calls us to earnest repentance.
    (b) Wickedly and licentiously after the manner of the
        Gentiles.

1Pe 4:4
4:4 {3} Wherein they think it {c} strange that ye run not with
    [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

 (3) That we be not moved with the enemies perverse and
     slanderous judgments of us, we have to set against them
     that last judgment of God which remains for them: for none,
     whether they be then found living or were dead before,
     shall escape it.
    (c) They think it a new and strange matter.

1Pe 4:6
4:6 {4} For this cause was the gospel preached also to them
    that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in
    the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

 (4) A digression because he made mention of the last general
     judgement. He prevents an objection, that, seeing Christ
     came very lately, they may seem to be excusable who died
     before. But this the apostle denies: for (faith he) this
     same gospel was preached to them also (for he speaks to the
     Jews) and that to the same end that I now preach it to you,
     that is, that the flesh being abolished and put away (that
     is to say, that wicked and disobedient corruption which
     reigns in men) they should suffer themselves to be governed
     by the virtue of the Spirit of God.

1Pe 4:7
4:7 {5} But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore
    sober, and watch unto prayer.

 (5) He returns to his purpose, using an argument taken from the
     circumstance of the time.  Because the last end is at hand,
     and therefore we must much more diligently watch and pray,
     with true sobriety of mind.

1Pe 4:8
4:8 {6} And above all things have fervent charity among
    yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 (6) He commends charity towards one another, because it buries
     a multitude of sins, and therefore preserves and maintains
     peace and harmony: for they who love one another easily
     forgive one another their offences.

1Pe 4:9
4:9 {7} Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

 (7) Of all the duties of charity, he commends one, namely that
     which was at that time most necessary, that is,
     hospitality, which he would have be voluntary and most
     courteous and bountiful.

1Pe 4:10
4:10 {8} As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister
     the same one to another, {9} as good stewards of the
     manifold grace of God.

 (8) He shows the use of charity, that is, that every man bestow
     that gift which he hath received, to the profit of his
     neighbour.
 (9) A reason, because that whatever gift we have, we have
     received it from God on this condition, to be his disposers
     and stewards.

1Pe 4:11
4:11 {10} If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of
     God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability
     which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified
     through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for
     ever and ever. Amen.

 (10) He reckons up two kinds of these gifts as chief, that is,
      the office of teaching in the Church, and the other
      ecclesiastical functions, in which two things especially
      are to be observed: that is, that the pure word of God be
      taught, and whatever is done, be referred to the glory of
      God the Father in Christ, as to the proper mark.

1Pe 4:12
4:12 {11} Beloved, think it not {d} strange {12} concerning the
     fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
     thing happened unto you:

 (11) Because that cross is joined with the sincere profession
      of religion, the apostle fitly repeats what he touched on
      before, warning us not to be troubled at persecutions and
      afflictions, as at a new and strange thing.
     (d) As though some new thing had befallen you, which you
         never thought of before.
 (12) The first reason: because the Lord does not mean to
      confuse us with his fire (as it were) but to purge us of
      our impurities and make us perfect.

1Pe 4:13
4:13 {13} But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's
     sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may
     be glad also with exceeding joy.

 (13) Another reason: because the afflictions of the godly and
      the wicked differ very much, and chiefly in three points.
      First, because the godly communicate with Christ in the
      afflictions, and therefore shall in their time also be
      partakers of his glory.

1Pe 4:14
4:14 {14} If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are
     ye]; for the {e} spirit of glory and of God resteth upon
     you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part
     he is glorified.

 (14) Secondly, although the infidels think otherwise, who in
      afflicting the godly blaspheme God, yet the godly in that
      they are so abused, are honoured by God with true
      spiritual glory, and their adoption is sealed by the
      Spirit of God.
     (e) By "Spirit" he means the gifts of the Spirit.

1Pe 4:15
4:15 {15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a
     thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's
     matters.

 (15) The third difference: the godly are not afflicted for
      their evil doings, but for righteousness' sake as
      Christians: by which it comes to pass that the cross,
      seeing it is a testimony to them of faith and
      righteousness, ministers to them not an occasion of
      sorrow, but of unspeakable joy: now the apostle propounds
      this third difference under the form of an exhortation.

1Pe 4:17
4:17 {16} For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the
     house of God: and {17} if [it] first [begin] at us, what
     shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

 (16) The third reason: because the Lord of all the world being
      especially watchful over those in his household, does
      therefore discipline them first of all, yet so that he
      keeps a measure in his greatest severity.  As he always
      used to do until now, so he does now especially when he
      exhibited himself in person to his Church.
 (17) Lest the godly should be offended and stumble at that vain
      shadow of happiness of the wicked, as though God were not
      the governor of the world, for that the wicked are in good
      case, and the godly in evil, the apostle teaches by an
      argument of a comparison of them together, that God who
      spares not his own, but nurtures them under the cross,
      will at length in his time handle the rebellious and
      wicked far otherwise, whom he has appointed to utter
      destruction.

1Pe 4:19
4:19 {18} Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will
     of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well
     doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

 (18) The conclusion: seeing the godly are not afflicted by
      chance, but by the will of God, they ought not to despair,
      but go forward nonetheless in the way of holiness and well
      doing, commending themselves to God their faithful
      creator, that is to say, their Father.