Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
10. As every man hath received the gift ] The two verses remind us of the like precepts in Rom 12:6; 1Co 12:4 ; 1Co 12:28. The tense of the Greek verb (“as every man received the gift”) implies the thought that the gift came at a definite moment, probably at that of the laying on of hands. Comp. Act 19:6; 1Ti 4:14. The words “As every man received” may be equivalent to “Let every man use his gift according to its nature or purpose,” which agrees best with Rom 12:6, or they may, more probably, be an echo of the “freely ye received, freely give” of Mat 10:8.
even so minister the same one to another ] The Greek verb means something more than “use” or “administer.” It implies that men were to see in the gifts they possessed no ground for boasting, but only a call to more lowly service. They were to be, as in the next clause, “stewards” of those gifts. The thought that men are stewards, not possessors, of what God has given them in their outward or their inward life was, of course, a natural one (1Co 4:1; Tit 1:7), but here we can scarcely fail to recognise an echo of our Lord’s teaching. Peter had heard the parable of the steward who “wasted his lord’s goods” (Luk 16:1-12) and his Lord’s question, Who then is the faithful and wise steward? (Luk 12:42). In the “manifold,” or better, perhaps, varied grace of God, we have implied a much greater diversity of gifts, such as we find in 1Co 12:8-10, Eph 4:11, than those which the Apostle specifies. He confines himself, indeed, to the one broad division between the gifts that shewed themselves in speech and those that shewed themselves in act.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
As every man hath received the gift – The word rendered the gift ( charisma,) in the Greek, without the article, means endowment of any kind, but especially that conferred by the Holy Spirit. Here it seems to refer to every kind of endowment by which we can do good to others; especially every kind of qualification furnished by religion by which we can help others. It does not refer here particularly to the ministry of the word – though it is applicable to that, and includes that – but to all the gifts and graces by which we can contribute to the welfare of others. All this is regarded as a gift, or charisma, of God. It is not owing to ourselves, but is to be traced to him. See the word explained in the notes at 1Ti 4:14.
Even so minister the same one to another – In anything by which you can benefit another. Regard What you have and they have not as a gift bestowed upon you by God for the common good, and be ready to impart it as the needs of ethers require. The word minister here ( diakonountes) would refer to any kind of ministering, whether by counsel, by advice, by the supply of the needs of the poor, or by preaching. It has here no reference to any one of these exclusively; but means, that in whatever God has favored us more than others, we should be ready to minister to their needs. See 2Ti 1:18; 2Co 3:8; 2Co 8:19-20.
As good stewards – Regarding yourselves as the mere stewards of God; that is, as appointed by him to do this work for him, and entrusted by him with what is needful to benefit others. He intends to do them good, but he means to do it through your instrumentality, and has entrusted to you as a steward what he designed to confer on them. This is the true idea, in respect to any special endowments of talent, property, or grace, which we may have received from God. Compare the 1Co 4:1-2 notes; Luk 16:1-2, Luk 16:8 notes.
Of the manifold grace of God – The grace or favor of God evinced in many ways, or by a variety of gifts. His favors are not confined to one single thing; as, for example, to talent for doing good by preaching; but are extended to a great many things by which we may do good to others – influence, property, reputation, wisdom, experience. All these are to be regarded as his gifts; all to be employed in doing good to others as we have opportunity.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. Hath received the gift] . A gift; any blessing of providence or grace. I cannot think that the word means here the Holy Ghost, or any of his supernatural gifts or influences; it may include those, but it signifies any thing given by the mere mercy and bounty of God: but perhaps in this place it may signify some or any office in the Church; and this sense, indeed, the connection seems to require.
Stewards of the manifold grace] Whatever gifts or endowments any man may possess, they are properly speaking, not his own; they are the Lord’s property, and to be employed in his work, and to promote his glory.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
As every man hath received the gift; any gift, office, faculty, or ability, whereby he may be serviceable to the good of others, all which are received of God, 1Co 12:11; Eph 4:7.
Minister the same one to another; dispense and communicate modestly and humbly, not lifting himself up above others upon the account of his gifts, but remembering he hath received them, and is a steward to dispense them.
As good stewards; and therefore faithful in distributing his Lords goods.
Of the manifold grace of God: by grace he means the same as by gift before; and so by manifold grace, the various gifts given to them of God, 1Co 12:4-6.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. every“even as eachman hath received,” in whatever degree, and of whatever kind.The Spirit’s gifts (literally, “gift of grace,“that is, gratuitously bestowed) are the common property of theChristian community, each Christian being but a steward for theedifying of the whole, not receiving the gift merely for his own use.
minister the samenotdiscontentedly envying or disparaging the gift of another.
one to anotherGreekas in 1Pe 4:8, “towardsyourselves”; implying that all form but one body, and in seekingthe good of other members they are promoting the good of themselves.
stewardsreferring toMat 25:15; Luk 19:13-26.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
As every man hath received the gift,…. That is, from God, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions add. This is a general rule laid down by the apostle, according to which, distribution of every kind, whether in things temporal or spiritual, is to be made, even according to the nature, quality, and quantity of the gift received: the greatest gift God bestows on men, next to himself, Son, and Spirit, and received by them in this life, is special grace; which God gives of his sovereign will and pleasure, liberally, abundantly, without the deserts of men, or conditions to be performed by them; of this kind are faith, repentance, hope, and love: the next to this is the ministerial gift, or what qualifies men for the work of the ministry; which is not anything in nature, or what is acquired by art and industry, but is a gift of grace, which is bestowed on some in a higher, on others in a lower degree: and besides these, there are the gifts of nature and providence, as human wisdom, and the knowledge of things natural and civil, riches and wealth, and the various good things of life; for there is nothing a man has in nature and in grace but what is a gift to him, and what he has received: and according to the measure of the gift received, be it what it will, the exhortation is,
even so minister the same one to another; or to, and among yourselves; to your neighbours or companions, as the Syriac, version renders it; if the gift be special grace though that itself cannot be imparted from one to another, yet the knowledge of it may; and it becomes such who have an experience of the grace of God upon their hearts to make it known, both to particular friends in private conversation, and to the church of God in public, for the use and edification of others, and the glory of God’s grace: if the gift be a ministerial one, whether it be greater or less, for it is not in all alike, it is not to be wrapped up in a napkin, and hid in the earth, or to lie neglected, but to be stirred up, and used for the benefit of the souls of men: and if it is a temporal one, the good things of this life, according to the measure of them, that a man has, he is to minister to the supply of the poor; and as God has prospered him, he is to distribute to the necessities of others; as men freely receive, be it what it will, they should freely minister it, according to the nature and measure of it:
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; for they are but stewards of whatsoever gifts they have; and therefore, if they would approve themselves good stewards, they should minister the same in proportion to their reception of them. Manifold and various are the graces of the Spirit of God, and the rich experiences communicated to men, which are not only for themselves, but for the good of others also: gifts for public usefulness are different one from another; one man has one gift, and another has another; or the same gift is not alike in all, in some greater, and in others less; and all are but stewards: they are accountable for them, and the use of them, to their great Lord and master: and various are the doctrines of the grace of God; of the grace of the Father in election, in the everlasting covenant, in the mission of his Son, in the free justification of sinners by his righteousness, in the free and full pardon of all their sins, in the adoption of any into his family, and in the gift of eternal life; and of the Son of God, in engaging as the surety of his people from everlasting, in assuming their nature in time, in obeying, suffering, and dying in their room and stead; and of the Spirit of God in regeneration and sanctification; and of all these mysteries of grace the ministers of the Gospel are stewards; and it is required of them that they be faithful. Temporal good things are given to men, not for their own use only, but for others; and they are but stewards of them; the original proprietor is God, and to him they must give an account of their stewardship, and how they have used and disposed of the manifold gifts which God of his goodness has put into their hands; so that this last clause contains a reason or argument enforcing the above rule.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Gift (). Late N.T. word (in late papyri) from , to give graciously. It is used here by Peter as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 12:4; 1Cor 12:9; 1Cor 12:29-31; Rom 12:6).
Ministering (). Present active participle plural of , common verb (Mt 20:28), though (each) is singular.
As good stewards ( ). For “steward” (, house-manager) see Luke 16:1; 1Cor 4:1 (used by Paul of himself) and of any bishop (Tit 1:7), but here of any Christian. See used with in 1Ti 4:6.
Of the manifold grace of God ( ). For (many-colored) see on 1Pet 1:6; Jas 1:2.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
A gift [] . Originally, something freely given : a gift of grace [] . Used in New Testament (a) of a blessing of God graciously bestowed, as upon sinners (Rom 5:15, 16; Rom 11:29); (b) of a gracious divine endowment : an extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling and working in a special manner in the individual (1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6; Rom 12:6, 8). So here.
Manifold. See on ch. 1Pe 1:6.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “As every man hath received the gift.” (Greek ekastos kathos) “even as each one” received (charisma) a gift, or anointing. Rom 12:6.
2) “Even so minister the same one to another.” (Greek diakonountes) be ministering to yourselves, one to another, doing good or helping one another.
3) “As good stewards.” As good (Greek oikonomoi) housekeepers or stewards. 1Ti 6:17-18; 1Co 4:2.
4) “Of the manifold grace of God.” (Greek pokiles) of the many or much phases of grace of God. 2Pe 3:18; 1Pe 5:10; Rom 12:3.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 As every one hath received He reminds us what we ought to bear in mind when we do good to our neighbors; for nothing is more fitted to correct our murmurings than to remember that we do not give our own, but only dispense what God has committed to us. When therefore he says, “Minister the gift which every one has received,” he intimates that to each had been distributed what they had, on this condition, that in helping their brethren they might be the ministers of God. And thus the second clause is an explanation of the first, for instead of ministry he mentions stewardship; and for what he had said, “as every one hath received the gift,” he mentions the manifold graces which God variously distributes to us, so that each might confer in common his own portion. If then we excel others in any gift, let us remember that we are as to this the stewards of God, in order that we may kindly impart it to our neighbors as their necessity or benefit may require. Thus we ought to be disposed and ready to communicate.
But this consideration is also very important, that the Lord hath so divided his manifold graces, that no one is to be content with one thing and with his own gifts, but every one has need of the help and aid of his brother. This, I say, is a bond which God hath appointed for retaining friendship among men, for they cannot live without mutual assistance. Thus it happens, that he who in many things seeks the aid of his brethren, ought to communicate to them more freely what he has received. This bond of unity has been observed and noticed by heathens. But Peter teaches us here that God had designedly done this, that he might bind men one to another.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
1Pe. 4:10-11 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Expanded Translation
According as every man was gifted by God, employing this same gift, be serving and ministering among yourselves as good stewards (caretakers, managers) of the grace of God which is abundant and many-sided. If any man speaks, let his words be uttered as words of God. If any man is performing a service, let him do so as one who serves out of the strength which God supplies, that in everything God may receive glory through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the might (power, dominion) for ever and ever. (Literally, into the ages of the ages). Amen.
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according as each has received a gift
Or gifted as above. It is difficult here to know for certain whether the Holy Spirit has reference to extraordinary powers and manifestations of the Holy Spirit (as in Rom. 12:6, 1Co. 12:4; 1Co. 12:31, etc.), or if the reference is simply to natural talents with which God has equipped every person, though not in the same measure or with the same gifts. The literal meaning of gift, according to Thayer is: a gift of grace; a favor which one receives without any merit of his own. Many would refer its usage here to the class of extraordinary powers. However, in such passages as 2Co. 1:11, 1Co. 7:7, and possibly Rom. 11:29, the word has a more general significance. Thus Moulton and Milligan tells us it is used of gifts generally. . . . They list several such usages in the Papyri. This general usage of the wordreferring to whatever abilities or talents one might be able to use for Christseems to be intended here. That it included more than the direct miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, seems to me to be shown in 1Pe. 4:11, for such a gift was certainly not necessary to qualify as a server or even as a deacon.
The idea, I believe, is that whatever we have, we must use in Gods service.
ministering it among yourselves
Diakoneo. One immediately notices the relationship of this word to the word deacon, as it is the verb form of the word so translated. Hence, several lexicographers give it the meaning perform the duties of a deacon or some similar rendering. This is a possibility here, but again it is probably better to take the word in a general rather than a specific sense, as in 1Pe. 1:12.[13]
[13] Also so used in Joh. 12:26, Act. 19:22, Phm. 1:13.
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God
A steward was commonly a superior slave of proven character, who looked after the accounts and functions of the household. We are managers, caretakers, and overseers of Gods gifts of grace to us! How, Christian, are you using what God has given to you? Are you a competent and careful steward of that which he has loaned you for a whileor are you foolishly squandering it for your good and pleasure? We should be stewards that have the best interests of our Master at heartemploying our time and energy for His benefit!
if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God
An oracle is a word or message. If the gift of 1Pe. 4:10 had reference to natural endowments, 1Pe. 4:11 provides a further exhortation to cultivate such capacities and use them profitably in the Lords service.
If gift in 1Pe. 4:10 has reference to the spiritual gifts (miraculous), then the exhortation here would be to rightly use such a gift (prophesy?) so that others would know that that person was speaking from God.
if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth
Referring to the same one who is ministering his gift among the congregation (1Pe. 4:10). He must recognize, acknowledge, and call upon the power of God, for in Him we live, and move, and have our being (Act. 17:28).
that in all things God may be glorified
The ultimate purpose of all our service: whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1Co. 10:31).
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) As every man hath received the gift.There is no definite article in the-Greek, which might be rendered, According as every man was gifted. They are reminded, as in 1Co. 4:7, that the gift was received, and for the same purpose. At what period these gifts were received it is hard to say, as in some instances the gift was of a spiritual nature, in others of a temporal nature. Each, however, has a gift of some kind for the benefit of the community.
Even so minister.In the original, ministering. It is still an exhibition of the intense charity of 1Pe. 4:8. The verb is the same as in 1Pe. 1:12, where see Note.
As good stewards.No one receives these gifts, spiritual or temporal, as his own; he is but a steward, and when he offers them to the Church it is not as a benefactor, but as a servant, ministering.
Of the manifold grace of God.Grace is here used, not in its theological sense, but, as in 1Pe. 3:7, in the sense of bountiful giving; and the beautiful word rendered manifold brings out the subtle and picturesque variety with which God arranges and distributes His bounty. But the emphatic word of the sentence is of God.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. So also in the exercise of supernatural gifts, referring to the charisms bestowed upon the primitive Christians, though doubtless including God’s gifts of a temporal character. 1Co 12:4-11; 1Co 12:28.
As good stewards Put in trust, for the Lord’s gracious purposes, with the precious gift, to be used for him in doing good to others, and not for one’s own personal and selfish ends. The rule is, according as every man hath received, and applies to the use of our talents, money, influence, and whatever God has given.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘According as each has received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaks, as it were oracles of God; if any man ministers, as of the strength which God supplies,’
The same earnest love will also ensure our right use of whatever gifts God has given us. Having received gifts through the loving compassion and unmerited goodness of God, we are to dispense them with loving compassion and goodness. We are to use them as good stewards (those who are managing Someone else’s goods wisely), with our thoughts not being on our own status and reputation and benefit, but only on making the best use of such gifts to bring the greatest blessing to many. Our concern is to be to serve others.
We can compare Jesus’ words to Peter and the other disciples, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Lord has set over his household?’ (Luk 12:42). And the responsibility of that steward is to ‘give them their portion of food in due season’. There it very much applies to those set over the church of God as they live in the light of His coming, but is finally an injunction to all servants. Here in Peter all are seen as stewards, for all have received some gift from God.
Such ‘gifts’ were widely defined. See for example Rom 12:6-8. And they covered all Christians. There were two ways in which they could express themselves. Firstly in words and secondly in actions. The two together make up the way in which we live our lives.
Thus when we speak, whether publicly or privately, we must ensure that we do so as from God, ensuring that we are fully in tune with Him and that we do it through the power and enduement that He has given. We should note here that the verb refers to ‘speaking’, words that come from the mouth. It does not just mean public speaking, although the word can be used of that. It means that all our conversation should be such that it comes to people as from God, through the Spirit, and should constantly have in mind the blessing of others.
The way in which we will ensure that we do this will be by resting on Him and walking with Him daily, and it will be through humility, and prayerfulness, and ensuring that all that we say is in accordance with the Scriptures. In other words, all our words are to be golden words coming from the throne of God. To put it another way we should always in all circumstance say what we consciously believe that Jesus would have said in our place, as Christ lives out His life through us. We should ensure that our words are always God-given. We are to speak as ‘oracles of God’. The requirement is a demanding one, but Peter no doubt had in mind Jesus’ words that ‘for every idle word that people shall speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment’ (Mat 12:36), whether it be good or bad (2Co 5:10).
And the second part of his words refers to our actions. We should act as true servants, servants of God and servants of men, in such a way that all that we do is through God’s strength, and to His glory. Our light must so shine before men that they see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in Heaven (Mat 5:16). Thus the slaves service to his master (1Pe 2:18), the wife’s service to her husband (1Pe 3:6), the husband’s loving response to his wife (1Pe 3:7), the service of each to all (1Pe 3:8-12), is to be performed through His strength and His enabling. And the world is to see in the words and service of each Christian, the fullness of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2Co 4:6)
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Pe 4:10. As every man hath received, &c. “And as all talents for public offices, as well as private capacities of usefulness in the church, are the free gift of God, let every one who is favoured with them, be careful to employ them, in proportion to what he has received, for the advantage and edification one of another, as persons entrusted with, and accountable to their great Lord and Master for the various gifts andendowmentswhichhehasgraciously bestowed upon them, that they may manage them with wisdom and faithfulness, like honorable stewards, ( , ) for the good of the church for which he gave them.” By the manifold or various grace of God, we may understand, that great diversity, of gifts, which all proceeded from one and the same Spirit, and which were all of pure grace, or free favour; for none of the Christians could demand any of them by any claim of justice, or as a debt due to him. Now every one of those gifts was to be made use of, not merely for the private advantage of the persons upon whom they were bestowed, but for the glory of God, and the public good of mankind; and more particularly of the Christian church; that the Christiansmight promote divine knowledge, experience, and piety in each other. See Rom 12:6-8.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Pe 4:10 . Second manifestation of love. It is presupposed that each one has received a : ] , not equal to , but pro ratione qua, prouti (Wahl), “ according as .”
] as in Rom 12:6 ; 1Co 12:4 ; 1Co 12:28 ; not an office in the church. Every man should, according to the kind of gift he has received (not: according to the measure of it, , vel ut Paulus: , Rom 12:3 . Pott: still less can be referred to the manner of receiving; Lorinus: sicut gratis accepimus, ita gratis demus), administer it for his brethren, , i.e. for their benefit, and therefore for that of the entire community. (a transitive verb, as in chap. 1Pe 1:12 ): vocula emphatica; innuit Ap. quod propter dona illa nemo se debeat supra alios efferre, aut dominium in alios affectare, sed aliorum ministrum sese sponte constituere (Gerhard).
] With , cf. chap. 1Pe 1:14 : as is peculiar to the , which, from their vocation, Christians should be. With , cf. 1Co 4:1 ; Tit 1:7 . According to de Wette and Weiss, there is here an allusion to the parable of the talents, Mat 25:14 .
] expression of irreproachable excellence; see 1Ti 4:6 ; 2Ti 2:3 . The Lord of the Christians, as the , is God; the goods which He entrusts to their stewardship are His ; is here the sum of all that has fallen to the share of believers through the grace of God; the individual manifestations of it are the , the homogeneous character of which is marked by the singular, and their variety by here subjoined with reference to the preceding .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Ver. 10. Even so minister ] Clouds when full, pour down, and the spouts run, and the eaves shed, and the presses overflow, and the aromatical trees sweat out their precious and sovereign oils; and every learned scribe brings out his rich treasure, &c. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal,”1Co 12:71Co 12:7 . There are some that make it their chief work proficere potius quam prodesse, to inform themselves, rather than to instruct others; to know, than to teach. Synesius inveighs against a sort of such in his times, as, having a treasure of rare abilities in them, would as soon part with their hearts as with their conceptions, the canker of whose great skill shall be a swift witness against them. Cardan speaketh of one that had a receipt that would suddenly and certainly dissolve the stone in the bladder; and concludes of him that he was undoubtedly damned, because he never revealed it before he died, to any one. a Let men be ready to communicate the good they have, as the moon doth her borrowed light, as the stars are still in motion for the good of others; as the heart receiving spirits from the liver, ministereth them to the brain, and the brain to the other parts of the body.
a Non dubito quin iste sit apud inferos.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
10 .] And this is to be so, not merely in the interchange of this world’s good offices, but also in the communication of the gifts of the Spirit, which are the common endowment of the whole body, individual Christians being only the stewards of them. Each man even as (in whatever quality and quantity: but the subsequent injunctions seem more to regard the quality than the quantity. It is otherwise in Eph 4:7 ; Rom 12:3 . The has no reference to the manner of reception, “Sicut gratis accepimus, ita gratis demus,” Lorinus in Huther) he received a gift of grace (see Rom 12:6 ff.: 1Co 12:4 ; 1Co 12:28 . , anarthrous, any one of the gifts known by that name), to each other (see above 1Pe 4:8 ; the here brings up strikingly the idea that all are members of one body) ministering it ( , transitive, as in ch. 1Pe 1:12 ; ministering to the need of others; his store out of which he ministers being that gift thus bestowed upon him) as (being: or, as becometh: see ch. 1Pe 1:14 ) good (reff.) stewards (reff., there is most likely a reference to our Lord’s parable of the talents) of the various (see this illustrated 1Co 12:4 ; Mat 25:15 ; Luk 19:13 ) grace of God .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Pe 4:10 f. supplement the foregoing directions for the inner life of the Church and rest partly on Rom 12:6 (with simpler classification of gifts ), partly on the conception of disciples as stewards (Luk 12:42 ) serving out rations in God’s house. , in the widest sense (as in Act 6:1 ; Act 6:4 ; 1Co 12:5 ) in accordance with the saying, the Son of Man came to minister (Mar 10:45 ), which is interpreted here, as part of the pattern, by the addition of an object (only here and 1Pe 1:12 ); cf. 2Co 8:19 , . . The title is applied to all and not only to the governors as by St. Paul (1Co 4:1 ; Tit 1:7 ); compare the question of St. Peter which precedes the source (Luk 12:41 f.).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
every man = each one.
hath. Omit.
gift. App-184. See 1Co 7:7.
minister. App-190.
the same = it.
one to another = among yourselves (1Pe 4:8).
stewards. See 1Co 4:1.
manifold. See 1Pe 1:6.
grace. App-184.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
10.] And this is to be so, not merely in the interchange of this worlds good offices, but also in the communication of the gifts of the Spirit, which are the common endowment of the whole body, individual Christians being only the stewards of them. Each man even as (in whatever quality and quantity: but the subsequent injunctions seem more to regard the quality than the quantity. It is otherwise in Eph 4:7; Rom 12:3. The has no reference to the manner of reception,-Sicut gratis accepimus, ita gratis demus, Lorinus in Huther) he received a gift of grace (see Rom 12:6 ff.: 1Co 12:4; 1Co 12:28. , anarthrous, any one of the gifts known by that name), to each other (see above 1Pe 4:8; the here brings up strikingly the idea that all are members of one body) ministering it (, transitive, as in ch. 1Pe 1:12; ministering to the need of others; his store out of which he ministers being that gift thus bestowed upon him) as (being: or, as becometh: see ch. 1Pe 1:14) good (reff.) stewards (reff., there is most likely a reference to our Lords parable of the talents) of the various (see this illustrated 1Co 12:4; Mat 25:15; Luk 19:13) grace of God.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Pe 4:10. , even as) Understand shortly afterwards, so.-, that (gift) itself) without striving after another.-, [manifold] varied) distributing various gifts, with reference to the speech, or ministering. See next verse.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
grace
Grace (imparted). 1Pe 5:5; 1Pe 5:10; Rom 6:1; 2Pe 3:18
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
every: Mat 25:14, Mat 25:15, Luk 19:13, Rom 12:6-8, 1Co 4:7, 1Co 12:4-11
minister: Mat 20:28, Mat 25:44, Mar 10:45, Luk 8:3, Rom 15:25, Rom 15:27, 2Co 9:1, 2Ti 1:18, Heb 6:10
good: Mat 24:45, Mat 24:14, Mat 24:21, Luk 12:42, Luk 16:1-8, 1Co 4:1, 1Co 4:2, Tit 1:7
the manifold: 1Co 3:10, 1Co 12:4, 1Co 15:10, 2Co 6:1, Eph 3:8, Eph 4:11
Reciprocal: Gen 47:14 – Joseph brought Deu 26:10 – I have 2Ki 4:10 – Let us 1Ch 29:2 – with all Neh 5:17 – an hundred Mat 20:8 – unto Mat 25:17 – he also Mat 25:35 – I was an Luk 16:2 – give Joh 3:27 – A man Act 3:6 – but Rom 15:15 – because 1Co 3:5 – even 1Co 7:17 – as God 1Co 12:7 – General 1Co 16:15 – to the 2Co 8:6 – grace 2Co 8:12 – if 2Co 8:19 – to the 2Co 9:8 – all grace 2Co 10:13 – according Gal 2:9 – the grace Eph 4:7 – grace Phi 1:11 – are 1Th 4:11 – and to do 1Ti 3:13 – used 2Ti 1:6 – that 1Pe 4:11 – if 3Jo 1:5 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.
1Pe 4:10
The weight of the Apostles exhortations is strengthened by reminding those whom he addressed of the end of all things. The Son of Man, Who ascended to heaven, left behind Him a Church pledged not only to individual but to collective holiness. And this Epistle therefore treats of the spiritual life and edification of the whole Church.
I. The edification of the Church in its fundamental conditions.
(a) The edification of the Church rests on the present living activity of its great Head.
(b) It reposes, too, on the work of the Spirit poured out by Christ on His Church. The Spirit of God works: (1) through the Word; (2) through the offices of the Church, whether those derived immediately through Him, and of express Divine appointment and apostolic origin, or those of purely human invention for purposes of Church work.
II. The edification of the Church in its actual realisation.
(a) Through the sobriety and watchfulness of its members (1Pe 4:7).
(b) Through prayers (1Pe 4:7), the public prayers of the Church; the plural surely intended to be inclusive of that worship of God in prayer variously offered in hymn, in supplication, in liturgy, in the house of God.
(c) Through fervent love (1Pe 4:8), manifesting itself in: (1) frequent forgiveness of offences. Love covereth a multitude of sins. (2) Kindly hospitality. Using hospitality to one another without murmuring. (3) By friendly offices of advice and counsel. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. (4) By mutual help. Ministering.
III. The edification of the Church in its great endthe glory of God in Christ. That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
Illustration
What gift? The gifts of the Holy Spirit are infinitely various, but the greatest of all is the gift of Himself, the gift of loving God, of caring for the things of heaven, of having even a definite desire to be on the side of Christ, and not on that of His enemies. This is indeed a gift, and, like all gifts of God, it brings with it a responsibility. It is something which demands not only to be appropriated, but also to be traded with and devoted to the relief of others. If any one has, through Gods grace, been brought to hate sin and to see its ruinous, soul-destroying character, let him not shut up this holy conviction in his own heart, but let him be glad to find opportunities for imparting it to others. By so doing, he will greatly confirm his own sense of its importance, and he will have done much to confirm the faith and courage of his brethren. For there is no cordial so cheering to the Christian soldier as the discovery that he is not alone, but that, while he has been striving to serve his Master in secret, others also, unknown to him, have been engaged in the same struggle.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
1Pe 4:10. Received the gift. The preceding verse deals with hospitality, hence the present one has that subject principally under consideration, so that the gift has special application to the good things of life with which one can manifest hospitality. He should not be selfish with the favors he has in possession since they all came from God and the disciple is but a steward (agent) under Him. Of course the principle of this passage will logically apply to any talent a man may possess.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Pe 4:10. Even as each man received a gift, ministering the same one to another. The possession of gifts being taken for granted, the love which pledges all to open-hearted hospitality, pledges each also to use his gift for the good of others. The gift is to be understood generally,not of official gifts merely, but (as in Rom 12:6; 1Co 12:4; 1Co 12:28) of spiritual gifts of all kinds. The receipt of the gift is represented as having taken place at a definite period in the pastreceived, not hath received as the R. V. puts it. It is not explained, however, whether the period referred to is the time of ones first entrance into the truth, or the time of baptism, or that of the laying on of hands, in connection with which the special spiritual gifts of the Apostolic Age seem usually to have been communicated (comp. Acts 3:28, Act 8:18-20, Act 19:5-6; 1Ti 4:14). The law of love is to be fulfilled by ministering (on which word see chap. 1Pe 1:12) what is so received. The gift is not to be rendered unfruitful through neglect, or perverted to the purposes of a selfish ostentation (Lillie), but is to be used as a store at the service of the Churchs need. And even as it was received, so is it to be ministered. This even as is understood by some to refer to the spirit of the ministering; in which case it would mean that as the gift was freely bestowed, so it should be freely and ungrudgingly used. Others think it implies that the gift was to be used according to the intention of its bestowal. The point, however, seems to be that the recipients of spiritual gifts should serve the Church each according to the measure of what he had received, or (and this seems more consistent with such parallel statements as Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:7) each according to the kind of gift received.
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The character belonging to believers as the possessors of gifts is hereby added. They are stewards, not owners, of what they have, and they are to use it as good, that is, honourable, stewards, against whom there shall be no reproach. What is virtually entrusted to their keeping is the grace of God itself, from which all their particular gifts are derived. In reference to the variety of gifts that grace is fitly termed manifoldon which see chap. 1Pe 1:6. It is possible that Peters mind goes back here upon his Lords parables of the Talents and the Unjust Steward (Matthew 26; Luke 16).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
His next exhortation is, That they endeavour rightly to employ, and wisely to improve, their spiritual gifts, (as well as their temporal, mentioned in the foregoing verse,) which they had received for the good and benefit of others in their respective places in the church, looking upon themselves not as proprietors, but as stewards, of the various gifts bestowed upon them by the free favour of God, and which they must give an impartial account.
Learn hence, 1. That several men have their several gifts, as it pleaseth the gift-giving Spirit to give unto them: As every man has received the gift.
Learn, 2. That gifts are given for the benefit of others, we are to minister one to another, that is, to improve our gifts to the mutual edification of each other.
Learn, 3. That such as look upon themselves as stewards of the manifold gifts of God, will wisely improve them for his glory, and the good of others, the great ends for which he has conferred them.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
1Pe 4:10-11. As every man hath received the gift Or, a gift, spiritual or temporal, ordinary or extraordinary, (although the latter seems primarily intended,) so minister the same one to another Employ that gift for the common good; as good stewards of the manifold grace of God Of the talents wherewith his free love has intrusted you. If any man speak In public assemblies, or in the social meetings of his Christian brethren; let him speak as the oracles of God Let all his words be according to that pattern, both as to matter and manner, and more especially when he speaks in public. By this mark we may always know who are, so far, the true or false prophets. The oracles of God teach that men should repent, believe, and obey; he that treats of faith, and leaves out repentance, and fruits worthy of repentance; or treats of repentance and its fruits, but omits inculcating faith; or who does not enjoin practical holiness to believers, does not speak as the oracles of God; he does not preach Christ, let him think as highly of himself as he will. If any man minister Serve his brother in love, whether in temporal or spiritual things; let him do it as of the ability which God giveth That is, humbly and diligently, ascribing all his power to God, and using it with his might; that God in all things Whether of nature or of grace; may be glorified through Jesus Christ The wise dispenser of these gifts; to whom As our great Redeemer and Saviour; be praise and dominion Greek, , the glory of them, and the power of dispensing them; or the glory of his wisdom, which teaches us to speak, and the might which enables us to act.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Verse 10
The gift; the gift of worldly prosperity, that is, the means of exercising the hospitality enjoined in the 1 Peter 4:9.–The manifold grace; the multiplied favors. The meaning is, that the favors and advantages which God bestows, are to be held in trust, as means of doing good to others.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
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.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God has given every Christian at least one gift (ability) that he or she can and should share with other believers and in so doing serve them. The gift in view is evidently one of the so-called spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4). "Manifold" means many faceted or variegated. God bestows His grace on different people in different ways. The gifts (Gr. charisma) are aspects of God’s grace (Gr. charis). No Christian can claim that he or she has nothing to offer the church. [Note: For defense of the view that spiritual gifts are ministries rather than abilities, see Kenneth Berding, "Confusing Word and Concept in ’Spiritual Gifts’: Have We Forgotten James Barr’s Exhortations?" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 43:1 (March 2000):37-51.]
"The Lord of the church has distributed His bounty with masterly variety to enable His people successfully to encounter the ’manifold trials’ (1Pe 1:6) to which they are subjected." [Note: Hiebert, "Living in . . .," p. 250.]