1 Peter 4

The Atonement

Forasmuch 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 Peter 4:1

Christ suffered in His body for us; disciples should take on His same willingness to suffer rather than sin.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

Judge of the Quick and the Dead

Quick — the living

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

Everyone, living and dead, will give an account to the Judge. Peter elsewhere names this Judge as Jesus, ordained by God to judge the living and the dead.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Acts 10:42 — Peter: Jesus 'ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead'
• the same title in 2 Timothy 4:1 — 'the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead'

Gospel Preached to the Dead

For 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. 1 Peter 4:6

Because Christ is Judge of all, the gospel He opened to the spirit world (3:19) is preached to the dead so they can be judged fairly and live by God's Spirit. This is the doctrine behind temple work for the dead.

• quoted by D&C 138:10 — President Joseph F. Smith quotes 1 Peter 4:6 before his vision
• the same event in 1 Peter 3:19 — Christ preached to the spirits in prison

Jesus Christ

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. 1 Peter 4:11

Every gift and service brings glory to God through Jesus Christ, and Peter gives praise and eternal dominion to Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

Revelation of Christ's Glory

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. 1 Peter 4:13

Suffering as a disciple is sharing in Christ's sufferings, and those who share them will rejoice when His glory is revealed at His coming.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

The Name of Christ

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

Those insulted for bearing Christ's name are blessed, just as Jesus promised; the world mocks Him, but faithful disciples glorify Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alludes to Matthew 5:11 — 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you ... for my sake'

Christian

Christian — a follower who bears the name of Christ

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Peter 4:16

To be a Christian is to carry Christ's name. Suffering for that name is nothing to be ashamed of.

• the same title in Acts 11:26 — 'the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch'
• the same title in Alma 46:15 — believers 'took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called'

Faithful Creator

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. 1 Peter 4:19

Suffering Saints can trust their souls to their faithful Creator. Latter-day scripture teaches that Jesus Christ created the earth under the Father, and Peter's wording mirrors how Christ 'committed himself' to the Father (2:23).

• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — Jesus Christ, 'the Creator of all things from the beginning'
• alludes to 1 Peter 2:23 — Christ 'committed himself to him that judgeth righteously'