1 Peter 4:17-18
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
The question that has to be grappled with is who is Peter talking of?
As a former adherent of OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved), I automatically considered those who do not obey the gospel of God as those who have never obeyed the gospel of God. That is, Peter is speaking of both those in the church (believers) and those outside of the church (unbelievers).
Context
Starting at verse 12, Peter begins his challenge to believers to not be surprised at the fiery trial that was to come upon them. He continues to speak to believers as they share in Christ’s sufferings (vs 13) and are insulted for the name of Christ (vs 14).
He connects suffering and insults with believers. A trial is coming and includes suffering and insults.
He proceeds to warn believers not to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer or a meddler (vs 15). How can Peter assume this is a possibility? Was not the church of purer stock than to have evil doers in it’s ranks? Were there meddlers in the group? Murderers? Is it not obvious that Christians are to mimic the Lord Jesus, and these actions are definitely not of the character of God.
Peter sums up the discussion on the general attitude of the believer who suffers as a believer, standing up for Christ. No shame. Glorify God.
Audience
Next comes our verses, where Peter does not indicate that he is going to talk of both believers and unbelievers. Remember, just a verse or two earlier, Peter described some of his audience as suffering as a murderer.
If Peter does not change the focus of his audience, when he speaks in verse 17, might he be referring to rebellious Christians when he speaks of “those who do not obey the gospel of God”? Might Peter be speaking of those who may have started out on the journey with the Lord, and for some reason decided no longer to believe?
Timing
There is also a consideration of timing implied in verse 17 of this passage. I have inserted my assumptions (italicized) in the passage to help explain how I often read this passage.
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us (household of God), what will be the outcome (after the household of God has suffered) for those who (outside of the household of God) do not obey the gospel of God.
I sometimes compartmentalize this verse into two time periods, one period for believers suffering during their lives on earth for the Messiah, and the second time period referring to the lost souls suffering after death in eternal fires.
Is this the intent of Peter? What might Peter be thinking when he provides us this passage. Join me in my next blog to consider a possible source of some of Peter’s thoughts
Until then, as the household of God, let us give thanks for His mercies, and seek to live unto His glory!
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