Last week we studied Peter’s words regarding licentious, lewd people. Peter tells us that the Lord knows how to rescue righteous people out of trials just like Noah and Lot. We saw in the raw definition of the word sporting, that the end game of the devil is to graft evil into others. Peter says it would be better for people not to confess Jesus as Lord if they are going to turn back to their own excrement. Peter has a few extra words in his first letter regarding the imprisoned spirits and the dead that are worth studying. Peter is an incredible orator who uses complicated words and ideas for us to learn from. We want to understand the written text that Peter had access to in the first century to understand his words. We have certain religious groups who tried to eliminate these texts, however this is the perspective the writers of scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, wrote from. Simply because we have not been taught these subjects in church or Bible study does not mean these subjects are irrelevant. Peter found them important enough to include them in two letters. Peter also has a good bit of wisdom for us regarding our own suffering. Keep in mind he did tell us that the Lord knows how to rescue the righteous.
Jesus is leading us near to the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Father. He proclaimed the good news to those imprisoned.
1 Peter 3:18 G3754 For G2532 Christ also G5547 G530 [2once G4012 3for G266 4sins G3958 1suffered], G1342 the just G5228 for G94 the unjust, G2443 that G1473 he should lead us forward G4317 G3588 to G2316 God, G2289 having put to death G3303 indeed G4561 the flesh, G2227 but being restored to life G1161 G3588 to the G4151 spirit;
19 G1722 in G3739 which G2532 also G3588 [3to the G1722 5in G5438 6prison G4151 4spirits G4198 1having gone G2784 2he proclaimed],
5438 LSJ Gloss:φυλακή a watching
Dodson:φυλακή a watching, guard, prison, imprisonment a watching, keeping guard; a guard, prison; imprisonment.
Thayer:
1) guard, watch
1a) a watching, keeping watch
1a1) to keep watch
1b) persons keeping watch, a guard, sentinels
1c) of the place where captives are kept, a prison
1d) of the time (of night) during which guard was kept, a watch i.e. a period of time during which part of the guard was on duty, and at the end of which others relieved them. As the earlier Greeks divided the night commonly into three parts, so, previous to the exile, the Israelites also had three watches in a night; subsequently, however, after they became subject to the Romans, they adopted the Roman custom of dividing the night into four watches
φυλακή
phulakē foo-lak-ay' From G5442; a guarding or (concretely guard), the act, the parson; figuratively the place, the condition, or (specifically) the time (as a division of day or night), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: cage, hold, (im-) prison (-ment), ward, watch.
4198 Dodson:πορεύομαι I travel, journey, go I travel, journey, go, die.
Thayer:
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
1a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
1b) to depart from life
1c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1c1) to lead or order one's life
For Synonyms see entry G5818
πορεύομαι
poreuomai por-yoo'-om-ahee Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die ], live, etc.) KJV Usage: depart, go (away, forth, one’s way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.
Jesus journeyed someplace where there were prisoners to herald divine truth to. Where were there prisoners? Jesus did not go to earthly prisons. He went to a place where spirits were being guarded. As we studied last week Enoch explained this to us. These spirits are from the fallen watchers, the Nephilim, and their sons continued to rebel on the earth. This was during a time when they once welcomed the patience of God, as the Lord gave them one hundred and twenty years to repent and change. We also see an interesting characteristic here.
1 Peter 3:20 G544 to the ones who disobeyed G4218 at some time or other, G3753 when G530 once G1209 [4was accepted G3588 1the G3588 G2316 3of God G3115 2long-suffering] G1722 in G2250 the days G* of Noah, G2680 carefully preparing G2787 the ark, G1519 in G3739 which G3641 few, G5123 that is to say, G3638 eight G5590 souls G1295 were preserved G1223 through G5204 water.
544 LSJ Gloss:ἀπειθέω to be disobedient, refuse compliance
Dodson:ἀπειθέω I disobey, rebel, am disloyal I disobey, rebel, am disloyal, refuse conformity.
Thayer:
1) not to allow one's self to be persuaded
1a) to refuse or withhold belief
1b) to refuse belief and obedience
2) not to comply with
ἀπειθέω
apeitheō ap-i-theh'-o From G545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely) KJV Usage: not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving.
1209 LSJ Gloss:δέχομαι to take, accept, receive
Dodson:δέχομαι I take, receive, accept, welcome.
Thayer:
1) to take with the hand
1a) to take hold of, take up
2) to take up, receive
2a) used of a place receiving one
2b) to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse intercourse or friendship
2b1) to receive hospitality
2b2) to receive into one's family to bring up or educate
2c) of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing
2c1) to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
2d) to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure
3) to receive, get
3a) to learn
For Synonyms see entry G5877
δέχομαι
dechomai dekh'-om-ahee Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: accept, receive, take.
3115 Dodson:μακροθυμία patience, forbearance patience, forbearance, longsuffering.
Thayer:
1) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance
2) patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs
For Synonyms see entry G5861
μακροθυμία
makrothumia mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah From the same as G3116; longanimity, that is, (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude KJV Usage: longsuffering, patience.
These spirits are from those who rebelled at a time when once they welcomed the patience of God. The patience of the Lord is understood in that the Lord gave those on the earth one hundred and twenty years to change their bad behavior while it also took one hundred and twenty years to build the ark. The watchers who cohabitated with earthly women watched as their offspring were killed. Eight souls were preserved or saved through water.
Jasher 5:7 Speak ye, and proclaim to the sons of men, saying, Thus says the Lord, return from your evil ways and turn away from your works, and the Lord will repent of the evil that he declared to do to you, so that it shall not come to pass. 8 For thus says the Lord, Behold I give you a period of one hundred and twenty years; if you will turn to me and turn away from your evil ways, then will I also turn away from the evil which I told you, and it shall not exist, says the Lord. 9 And Noah and Methuselah spoke all the words of the Lord to the sons of men, day after day, constantly speaking to them. 10 But the sons of men would not listen to them, nor incline their ears to their words, and they were stubborn. 11 And the Lord granted them a period of one hundred and twenty years, saying, If they will return, then will God repent of the evil, so as not to destroy the earth.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (p. 184). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition.
The sons of the fallen watchers, also known as the sons of the Nephilim, did not listen. These are the days of the patience and longsuffering of the Lord. The Lord closed the door of the ark from the outside, with Noah and his family on the inside. The sons of the Nephilim surrounded the ark, calling out to Noah. We see this exact behavior today. When punishment is imminent, and there is no other way, all of a sudden people claim they will change their behavior.
Jasher 6:15 And Noah and his household, and all the living creatures that were with him, came into the ark on account of the waters of the flood, and the Lord shut him in. 16 And all the sons of men that were left on the earth , became exhausted through evil on account of the rain, for the waters were coming more violently on the earth, and the animals and beasts were still surrounding the ark. 17 And the sons of men assembled together, about seven hundred thousand men and women, and they came to Noah to the ark. 18 They called to Noah, saying, Open for us that we may come to you in the ark--and wherefore shall we die? 19 And Noah, with a loud voice, answered them from the ark, saying, Have you not all rebelled against the Lord, and said that he does not exist? and therefore the Lord brought on you this evil, to destroy and cut you off from the face of the earth. 20 Is not this the thing that I spoke to you of one hundred and twenty years back, and you would not listen to the voice of the Lord, and now do you desire to live on earth? 21 They said to Noah, We are ready to return to the Lord; only open for us that we may live and not die. 22 And Noah answered them, saying, Behold now that you see the trouble of your souls, you wish to return to the Lord; why did you not return during these hundred and twenty years, which the Lord granted you as the determined period? 23 But now you come and tell me this on account of the troubles of your souls, now also the Lord will not listen to you, neither will he give ear to you on this day, so that you will not now succeed in your wishes. 24 The sons of men approached in order to break into the ark, to come in on account of the rain, for they could not bear the rain on them. 25 And the Lord sent all the beasts and animals that stood a round the ark. And the beasts overpowered them and drove them from that place, and every man went his way and they again scattered themselves on the face of the earth.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (p. 186). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition.
The children of the watchers may have enjoyed God’s patience and slowness in avenging their sin for one hundred and twenty years, but as soon as it started to rain, they claim that they were ready to repent. It seems it is a universal practice of sinners to sin as much as possible up until the very last moment. Then they cry when they face punishment. Jesus spoke the good news to the fallen watchers who defiled the human race due to their own lusts. Remember, as angelic sons of God they knew more than humans of the unseen spiritual world. They understood the workings of the creation. They also understood that humans were created to be creators and to procreate. Where as they, the angelic class, were not creators, or procreators. Peter then says something interesting. He mentions that this is why we water baptize.
1 Peter 3:21 G3739 Which G2532 [2also G1473 5us G499 1antitype G3568 3now G4982 4delivers] -- G908 immersion,…
499 Dodson:ἀντίτυπος typical of, representing by type or pattern typical of, representing by type (or pattern), corresponding to, an image.
Thayer:
1) a thing formed after some pattern
2) a thing resembling another, its counterpart
2a) something in the Messianic times which answers to the type, as baptism corresponds to the deluge (1 Pet 3:21)
ἀντίτυπον
antitupon an-teet'-oo-pon Neuter of a compound of G473 and G5179; corresponding (“antitype”), that is, a representative, counterpart KJV Usage: (like) figure (whereunto).
4982
σώζω
sōzō sode'-zo From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos , “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
908 LSJ Gloss:βάπτισμα baptism
Dodson:βάπτισμα the rite or ceremony of baptism.
Thayer:
1) immersion, submersion
1a) of calamities and afflictions with which one is quite overwhelmed
1b) of John's baptism, that purification rite by which men on confessing their sins were bound to spiritual reformation, obtained the pardon of their past sins and became qualified for the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom soon to be set up. This was valid Christian baptism, as this was the only baptism the apostles received and it is not recorded anywhere that they were ever rebaptised after Pentecost.
1c) of Christian baptism; a rite of immersion in water as commanded by Christ, by which one after confessing his sins and professing his faith in Christ, having been born again by the Holy Spirit unto a new life, identifies publicly with the fellowship of Christ and the church.
βάπτισμα
baptisma bap'-tis-mah From G907; baptism (technically or figuratively) KJV Usage: baptism.
The pattern of Noah, delivered through water, now delivers us though baptism. We don’t see baptisms until John the baptist came preaching repentance. However there is an important element in the temple pattern which is the washing of the water of the word at the laver. Compare Exodus 40:30 with Ephesians 5:26. The pattern of the temple is a pattern for us today, not only in relationship, drawing near to the Living God, but also in putting on our armor. Remember in verse 18, Peter told us that Jesus is leading us to the Father, we need to wash our conscience.
1 Peter 3:21… G3756 not G4561 the flesh G595 getting rid of G4509 filth, G235 but G4893 [3conscience G18 2of a good G1906 1 the response] G1519 towards G2316 God, G1223 through G386 the resurrection G* of Jesus G5547 Christ,
4893 LSJ Gloss:συνείδησις self-consciousness: conscience
Dodson:συνείδησις the conscience the conscience, a persisting notion.
Thayer:
1) the consciousness of anything
2) the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other
2a) the conscience
συνείδησις
suneidēsis soon-i'-day-sis From a prolonged form of G4894; co-perception, that is, moral consciousness KJV Usage: conscience.
386 LSJ Gloss:ἀνάστασις a raising up
Dodson:ἀνάστασις a rising again, resurrection.
Thayer:
1) a raising up, rising (e.g. from a seat)
2) a rising from the dead
2a) that of Christ
2b) that of all men at the end of this present age
2c) the resurrection of certain ones history who were restored to life (Heb.
11:35)
ἀνάστασις
anastasis an-as'-tas-is From G450; a standing up again, that is, (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, general or by implication (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth) KJV Usage: raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.
We don’t immerse in water to clean our flesh, not in baptism. We use the example of Noah, who was saved through water from the defilements of the mixing of the flesh of humans with angels. In water baptism, we are seeking the pledge of a good soul that distinguishes between what is morally good and evil, then acting on the morally good while shunning the evil. We can be baptized to cleanse us internally because it is through Jesus’ resurrection that we are redeemed fully and completely. Noah is a representation of being cleansed in a filthy world. Jubilees explains a bit more. Remember, Jasher and Jubilees were written works available to Peter and other first century believers.
Jubilees 5:1 When the children of men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, and the angels of God saw them on a certain year of this jubilee, that they were beautiful, and they took themselves wives of all whom they chose, and they gave birth to their sons and they were giants. 2 Because of them lawlessness increased on the earth and all flesh corrupted its way. Men and cattle and beasts and birds and everything that walked on the earth were all corrupted in their ways and their orders, and they began to devour each other. Lawlessness increased on the earth and the imagination and thoughts of all men were continually, totally evil. 3 God looked on the earth, and saw it was corrupt, and all flesh had corrupted its orders, and all that were on the earth had committed all manner of evil before His eyes. 4 He said that He would destroy man and all flesh on the face of the earth that He had created. 5 But Noah found grace before the eyes of the Lord. 6 And against the angels whom He had sent on the earth, He had boiling anger, and He gave commandment to root them out of all their dominion, and He commanded us to bind them in the depths of the earth, and look, they are bound in the middle of the earth, and are kept separate. 7 And against their sons went out a command from His mouth that they should be killed with the sword, and be left under heaven. 8 He said, “My spirit shall not always abide on man; for they also are flesh and their days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” 9 He sent His sword into their presence that each should kill his neighbor, and they began to kill each other until they all fell by the sword and were destroyed from the earth. 10 And their fathers were witnesses of their destruction, and after this they were bound in the depths of the earth forever, until the day of the great condemnation, when judgment is executed on all those who have corrupted their ways and their works before the Lord. 11 He destroyed all wherever they were, and there was not one left of them whom He judged according to all their wickedness. 12 Through His work He made a new and righteous nature, so that they should not sin in their whole nature forever, but should be all righteous each in his own way always. 13 The judgment of all is ordained and written on the heavenly tablets in righteousness, even the judgment of all who depart from the path that is ordained for them to walk; and if they do not walk it, judgment is written down for every creature and for every kind. 14 There is nothing in heaven or on earth, or in light or in darkness, or in the abode of the dead or in the depth, or in the place of darkness that is not judged. All their judgments are ordained and written and engraved. 15 He will judge all, the great according to his greatness, and the small according to his smallness, and each according to his way. 16 He is not one who will regard the position of any person, nor is He one who will receive gifts, if He says that He will execute judgment on each. 17 If one gave everything that is on the earth, He will not regard the gifts or the person of any, nor accept anything at his hands, for He is a righteous judge. 18 Of the children of Israel it has been written and ordained, if they turn to him in righteousness He will forgive all their transgressions and pardon all their sins. It is written and ordained that He will show mercy to all who turn from all their guilt once each year. 19 And as for all those who corrupted their ways and their thoughts before the flood, no person was acceptable to God except Noah. His sons were saved in deference to him, and these God kept from the waters of the flood on his account; for Noah’s heart was righteous in all his ways. He upheld the laws and did as God commanded him and he had not departed from anything that was ordained for him. 20 The Lord said that he would destroy everything on the earth, both men and cattle, and beasts, and birds of the air, and that which moves on the earth. 21 And He commanded Noah to make an ark, so that he might save himself from the waters of the flood. 22 And Noah made the ark in all respects as He commanded him, in the twenty-seventh jubilee of years, in the fifth week in the fifth year on the new moon of the first month. 23 He entered in the sixth year of it, in the second month, on the new moon of the second month, until the sixteenth; and he entered, and all that we brought to him, into the ark, and the Lord closed it from the outside on the seventeenth evening. 24 And the Lord opened seven floodgates of heaven, and He opened the mouths of the fountains of the great deep, seven mouths in number.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (pp. 121-122). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition.
The children of the Nephilim had one hundred and twenty years to repent. They heard the proclamations of Noah and Methuselah. It wasn’t until the rain came, when it had never rained before, that they recognized the prophecies were true.
The fallen watchers thought that they could be like men and procreate. The Lord did not make angels or other sons of God to procreate, only humans. Humans are life-givers, which is why the devil does all he can to have humans kill babies, and kill one another.
Peter continues: through the resurrection of Jesus Christ who is at the right of the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Father.
1 Peter 3:22 G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G1722 at G1188 the right G3588 G2316 of God, G4198 being gone G1519 into G3772 heaven, G5293 [6being submitted G1473 7to him G32 1 with angels G2532 2and G1849 3authorities G2532 4and G1411 5powers].
5293 LSJ Gloss:ὑποτάσσω to place
Dodson:ὑποτάσσω I place under, subject toI place under, subject to; mid, pass: I submit, put myself into subjection.
Thayer:
1) to arrange under, to subordinate
2) to subject, put in subjection
3) to subject one's self, obey
4) to submit to one's control
5) to yield to one's admonition or advice
6) to obey, be subject
ὑποτάσσω
hupotassō hoop-ot-as'-so From G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflexively to obey KJV Usage: be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
32 LSJ Gloss:ἄγγελος a messenger, envoy
Dodson:ἄγγελος an angel, messenger a messenger, generally a (supernatural) messenger from God, an angel, conveying news or behests from God to men.
Thayer:
1) a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God
ἄγγελος
aggelos ang'-el-os From ἀγγέλλω aggellō (probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel” ; by implication a pastor KJV Usage: angel, messenger.
1849 LSJ Gloss:ἐξουσία power
Dodson:ἐξουσία power, authority, weight (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
Thayer:
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission
2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privi
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
1411 LSJ Gloss:δύναμις power, might, strength
Dodson:δύναμις might, power, marvelous works (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning (b) plur: powerful deeds, deeds showing (physical) power, marvelous works.
Thayer:
1) strength power, ability
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
1b) power for performing miracles
1c) moral power and excellence of soul
1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
1e) power and resources arising from numbers
1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts
For Synonyms see entry G5820
δύναμις
dunamis doo'-nam-is From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself) KJV Usage: ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
Jesus is on the right hand of the Father. He traveled to heaven. First Jesus traveled to the spirits in prison, then he traveled to heaven. Jesus now has angels yielding and submitting to him. Jesus also has exousia and dunamis, authority and miraculous power. Why? Because Christ suffered for us in his flesh, and was raised up from the dead.
1 Peter 4:1 G5547 Christ G3767 then G3958 having suffered G5228 for G1473 us G4561 in flesh, G2532 you also G1473 G3588 with the G1473 same G1771 reflection G3695 be armed! G3754 For G3588 the one G3958 suffering G1722 in G4561 flesh, G3973 has ceased G266 of sin;
1771 LSJ Gloss:ἔννοια a thought in the mind, notion, conception
Dodson:ἔννοια thought, intention, purpose
thinking, consideration; a thought, purpose, design, intention.
Thayer:
1) the act of thinking, consideration, meditation
2) a thought, notion, conception
3) mind, understanding, will, manner of feeling, and thinking
ἔννοια
ennoia en'-noy-ah From a compound of G1722 and G3563; thoughtfulness, that is, moral understanding KJV Usage: intent, mind.
3695 LSJ Gloss:ὁπλίζω to make
Dodson:ὁπλίζω I arm, equip I make ready, arm, equip.
Thayer:
1) to arm, furnish with arms
2) to provide
3) to furnish one's self with a thing (as with arms)
4) metaph. take on the same mind
ὁπλίζω
hoplizō hop-lid'-zo From G3696; to equip (with weapons [middle voice and figuratively]) KJV Usage: arm self.
With the same intent and purpose as Jesus Christ suffering in his flesh for us, we should equip ourselves, because the one suffering ceases from sin. When our flesh is suffering, whether it suffers from a cold, a disease, or an accident, we stop sinning so that we don’t add any extra unnecessary suffering to our lives. Instead, we search out God’s will in hopes of relieving our suffering.
1 Peter 4:2 G1519 to no longer G3588 G3371 G444 [6of men's G1939 7desires G235 8but G2307 9God's will G2316 G3588 2the remaining G1954 G1722 4in G4561 5 the flesh G980 1spend G5550 3time].
1939 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιθυμία desire, yearning, longing
Dodson:ἐπιθυμία desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust.
Thayer:
1) desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust
For Synonyms see entry G5845
ἐπιθυμία
epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden) KJV Usage: concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
2307 LSJ Gloss:θέλημα will
Dodson:θέλημα will, wish, desire an act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires.
Thayer:
1) what one wishes or has determined shall be done
1a) of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ
1b) of what God wishes to be done by us
1b1) commands, precepts
2) will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure
θέλημα
thelēma thel'-ay-mah From the prolonged form of G2309; a determination (properly the thing), that is, (actively) choice (specifically purpose, decree; abstractly volition) or (passively) inclination KJV Usage: desire, pleasure, will.
The idea of suffering is to be affected in a negative way, usually with painful sensations. Peter says “no longer into living the remaining time in the flesh of men’s longings, but God’s determination”. Suffering reminds us that our time is short on the earth, and instead of living for ourselves we live for the Lord
1 Peter 4:3 G713 For sufficient G1473 to us G3588 was the G3928 having passed G5550 time G3588 of the G979 existence G3588 [2the G2307 3will G3588 4of the G1484 5nations G2716 1to have worked], G4198 going G1722 in G766 lewdnesses, G1939 desires, G3632 drunkennesses with wine, G2970 debaucheries, G4224 drinking banquets, G2532 and G111 unlawful G1495 idolatries;
766 LSJ Gloss:ἀσέλγεια licentiousness
Dodson:ἀσέλγεια wantonness, lewdness
(outrageous conduct, conduct shocking to public decency, a wanton
Thayer:
1) unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence
ἀσέλγεια
aselgeia as-elg'-i-a From a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed σελγής selgēs (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices) KJV Usage: filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.
1939 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιθυμία desire, yearning, longing
Dodson:ἐπιθυμία desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust.
Thayer:
1) desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust
For Synonyms see entry G5845
ἐπιθυμία
epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden) KJV Usage: concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
2970 LSJ Gloss:κῶμος a village festival: a revel, carousal, merry-making
Dodson:κῶμος a feasting, reveling a feasting, reveling, carousal.
Thayer:
1) a revel, carousal
1a) a nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honour of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends; hence used generally of feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry
κῶμος
kōmos ko'-mos From G2749; a carousal (as if a letting loose) KJV Usage: revelling, rioting.
4224 LSJ Gloss:πότος drinking, a drinking-bout, carousal
Dodson:πότος a drinking, carousing.
Thayer:
1) a drinking, carousing
πότος
potos pot'-os From the alternate of G4095; a drinking bout or carousal KJV Usage: banqueting.
111 Dodson:ἀθέμιτος illegal, unlawful illegal, unlawful, criminal, lawless.
Thayer:
1) contrary to law and justice, prohibited by law, illicit, criminal
ἀθέμιτος
athemitos ath-em'-ee-tos From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of θέμις themis (statute; from the base of G5087); illegal; by implication flagitious KJV Usage: abominable, unlawful thing.
Peter says that it is “satisfactory to us to come near the time of existence to accomplish or finish the purpose of the nations”, ethnos. The apostles suffered in the flesh for preaching the gospel to the nations. Think about this for a moment. The apostles preached to the Jews, but the majority of Jews, especially the religious leaders, rejected them. The apostles then, being led by the Holy Spirit, preached to the nations who received their teachings. The Jews then persecuted the apostles for preaching to the nations. Peter, who walked with Jesus, came under scrutiny in Jerusalem because he went to Cornelius’ house. If we remember, Cornelius’ household received the Holy Spirit, then afterwards, Peter baptized them.
A good description of debaucheries, kōmos, a drunken village festival, is what went on in Sodom.
Jasher 18:11 In those days all the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the whole five cities, were greatly wicked and sinful against the Lord . They provoked the Lord with their abominations, and they grew worse as they aged abominably and scornfully before the Lord, and their wickedness and crimes were in those days great before the Lord. 12 They had in their land a very extensive valley, about half a day's walk, and in it there were fountains of water and a great deal of herbage surrounding the water. 13 All the people of Sodom and Gomorrah went there four times in the year, with their wives and children and all belonging to them, and they rejoiced there with timbrels and dances. 14 And in the time of rejoicing they would all rise and lay hold of their neighbor's wives, and some, the virgin daughters of their neighbors, and they enjoyed them; each man saw his wife and daughter in the hands of his neighbor and did not say a word. 15 And they did so from morning to night; afterward they returned home each man to his house and each woman to her tent; so they always did four times in the year.
Lumpkin, Joseph. Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher: Banned from the Bible (pp. 207-208). Fifth Estate. Kindle Edition.
Continuing the context of suffering in the flesh for the benefit of others, Peter explains the behavior of the nations. “Journeying in licentious craving drunkenness carousing and rioting criminally illicit idolatries…” Think again about the remote context, the fallen angels who became imprisoned spirits, created a terrible time of sin on the earth. We cleanse our conscience with water, like Noah. But the people on the earth are like those children of the fallen angels. They enjoy drinking, partying, lewd behaviors, and idolatry. They also entertain strangers who run together in wanton excess.
1 Peter 4:4 G1722 in G3739 which G3579 they think it strange G3361 [2not G4936 3running together G1473 1your] G1519 in G3588 the G1473 same G3588 G810 [2of carnality G401 1pouring out], G987 being blasphemous;
3579 LSJ Gloss:ξενίζω to receive
Dodson:ξενίζω I entertain a stranger, I startle (a) I entertain a stranger, (b) I startle, bewilder.
Thayer:
1) to receive as a guest, to entertain, hospitably
1a) to be received hospitably
1b) to stay as a guest, to lodge
1c) be lodged
2) to surprise or astonish by the strangeness and novelty of a thing
2b) to think strange, be shocked
ξενίζω
xenizō xen-id'-xo From G3581; to be a host (passively a guest); by implication be (make, appear) strange KJV Usage: entertain, lodge, (think it) strange.
4936 LSJ Gloss:συντρέχω to run together so as to meet, to encounter
Dodson:συντρέχω I run with I run (rush) together, run with.
Thayer:
1) to run together
1a) of the gathering of a multitude
2) to run along with others
3) metaph.
3a) to rush with, to cast one's self, plunge
συντρέχω
suntrechō soon-trekh'-o From G4862 and G5143 (including its alternate); to rush together (hastily assemble) or headlong (figuratively) KJV Usage: run (together, with).
810 LSJ Gloss:ἀσωτία prodigality, wastefulness
Dodson:ἀσωτία wantonness, profligacy wantonness, profligacy, wastefulness.
Thayer:
1) an abandoned, dissolute life
2) profligacy, prodigality
ἀσωτία
asōtia as-o-tee'-ah From a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G4982; properly unsavedness, that is, (by implication) profligacy KJV Usage: excess, riot.
401 LSJ Gloss:ἀνάχυσις effusion
Dodson:ἀνάχυσις outpouring, excess outpouring, excess, overflow, a pouring out.
Thayer:
1) an overflowing, a pouring out
2) metaph. the excess (flood) of riot in which a dissolute life pours itself forth
ἀνάχυσις
anachusis an-akh'-oo-sis From a compound of G303 and χέω cheō (to pour); properly effusion, that is, (figuratively) license KJV Usage: excess.
The translation of “think it strange” is not quite accurate. It is more often used as “entertain aliens”, meaning “inviting in people from different nations”, compared to Israel. Peter is directly pointing a finger at the Jews who have these unrighteous behaviors. People who enjoy a lifestyle of licentiousness always connect with others who enjoy licentiousness. “Among who host and lodge strangers lest they run together to meet in their pouring out of profligacy (wastefulness and riotous excess) of speaking evil.” These people entertain or host strangers or aliens. They then meet up with others like them, partying, and rioting, and speaking evil. One might think Peter is speaking of people today. But these same types of people were living in his day as well.
1 Peter 4:5 G3739 ones who G591 shall render G3056 an account G3588 to the one G2093 readily G2192 sufficing G2919 to judge G2198 the living G2532 and G3498 dead.
The people who are wildly partying, and speaking evil also are those “who render words, logos, readily judging the living and dead”. The very people who are licentious, lewd, drunk, reveling, carousing, idolatrous, entertaining aliens, pouring out wantonness, and blasphemers, are also judging the living and the dead. We should be appalled that these people want to judge others when they do not understand the judgment of the Lord on their lives. Weak people cower or submit to the loud bullying of these people. We should rise above them. We could say that even today these lewd people do not respect the longsuffering of the Lord, just as in the days of Noah. Is there anything new under the sun?
When we come back to the context of the entering into the sheepfold of the nations, we understand the hardship of apostleship, and the suffering in the flesh. Peter’s words could read as follows: No longer into living the remaining time in the flesh of men’s longings, but God’s determination, satisfied us to come near the time of existence to accomplish the purpose of the nations. Journeying in licentiousness, inordinate craving, drunkenness, reveling, carousing, and criminally illicit idolatries, among who host and lodge strangers, lest they rush together to meet in their overflowing of profligacy (wastefulness and riotous excess) of speaking evil, who return mandates readily, holding condemnation of the living and dead.
In Peter’s day he had as much if not more persecution from the Jews who rejected Jesus than any other nation. Those religious Jews lived in licentious drunkenness. The same way that the Jews of old did in the days of the temple, with its booths for male and female prostitution, and fire sacrifices to Moloch and the Baals, along with the worship of angels, stars, and the cherubim. After the Lord’s longsuffering of around three hundred years, the glory left the temple in the days of Ezekiel. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt, but the same things took place again so that the temple and the entire city of David was destroyed just as Jesus said it would be. Solomon speaks of all the same elements in his time.
Wisdom of Solomon 14:23-27 (KJVApocrypha)
23 For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;
24 They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled: but either one slew another traiterously, or grieved him by adultery.
25 So that there reigned in all men without exception blood, manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,
26 Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.
27 For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the beginning, the cause, and the end, of all evil.
Peter goes on to say something interesting. He says that in this, the dead also are evangelized.
1 Peter 4:6 G1519 [2in G3778 3this G1063 1For] G2532 also G3498 to the dead G2097 was announced good news, G2443 that G2919 they should be judged G3303 indeed G2596 according to G444 men G4561 in the flesh, G2198 but should live G1161 G2596 according to G2316 God G4151 in spirit.
3498LSJ Gloss:νεκρός a dead body, corpse
Dodson:νεκρός dead, a corpse (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse.
Thayer:
1) properly
1a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless
1b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell
1c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate
2) metaph.
2a) spiritually dead
2a1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins
2a2) inactive as respects doing right
2b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
νεκρός
nekros nek-ros' From an apparently primary word νέκυς nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) KJV Usage: dead.
2097
εὐαγγελίζω
euaggelizō yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel KJV Usage: declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
Because of the people who are wild partiers, who judge the living and the dead, the gospel was “evangelized to the dead so that the dead would be judged truly according to humans in the flesh, but will live on the other hand according to God in the spirit”. Jesus traveled to the imprisoned spirits, imprisoned from the days of Noah. Jesus also evangelized the dead in the compartments of hades called Abraham’s Bay. He then took back the keys to hades and death, and brought the believers to Paradise. Jesus still evangelizes the dead so that they too would have the same judgments as people have today. After being witnessed to they can be judged just like humans and then they can live eternally in the spirit.
When someone asks in an accusatory manner about people who must be in hell who never heard about Jesus, the answer is in Peter’s words; they have been evangelized. Then it is their decision and they will be judged just like the living who either accept or reject Jesus. A better question to ask is why would anyone want to go to hell? Jesus now has the keys. The dead have to go though him to enter paradise or hades. Yet hades is not empty.
1 Peter 4:7 G3956 But of all things G1161 G3588 the G5056 end G1448 approaches. G4993 Be of sound mind G3767 then G2532 and G3525 be sober G1519 in G3588 the G4335 prayers!
5056 LSJ Gloss:τέλος the fulfilment
Dodson:τέλος an end, purpose, tax (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.
Thayer:
1) end
1a) termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time)
1b) the end
1b1) the last in any succession or series
1b2) eternal
1c) that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue
1d) the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose
2) toll, custom (i.e. indirect tax on goods)
τέλος
telos tel'-os From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid) KJV Usage: + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.
4993 LSJ Gloss:σωφρονέω to be sound of mind
Dodson:σωφρονέω I am sober-minded, exercise self-control I am of sound mind, am sober-minded, exercise self-control.
Thayer:
1) to be of sound mind
1a) to be in one's right mind
1b) to exercise self control
1b1) to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly
1b2) to curb one's passions
σωφρονέω
sōphroneō so-fron-eh'-o From G4998; to be of sound mind, that is, sane, (figuratively) moderate KJV Usage: be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.
3525 LSJ Gloss:νήφω to drink no wine
Dodson:νήφω I am calm, vigilant, sober (lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect.
Thayer:
1) to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit
2) to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect
νήφω
nēphō nay'-fo Of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet KJV Usage: be sober, watch.
Peter says, “on the other hand the whole fulfillment and conclusion draws near”. Be sane, as compared to the licentious people, and be sober in prayer. The end is near, be calm and collected in the spirit, be of sound mind. Peter goes on to tell us not to be surprised about the fiery trials that we will face. We will be tested, poked at, prodded, intimidated, and manipulated. We will be pressured from the licentious, lewd, drunkards. There is nothing new going on in the world that hasn’t already occurred. Just as in the time of Noah, people had an opportunity to repent. The Lord was patient for one hundred and twenty years, but it wasn’t until it rained for the first time in the history of the earth that the people realized the Lord was serious about what he said. Sodom and the five cities had plenty of time to correct their behavior, but their minds’ became so unsound and unstable that they couldn’t understand why it was wrong to have a public bed to rape people. Their behaviors were so inordinate, they too were destroyed. The Jews provoked the Lord and their temples were destroyed and their land taken away. We are in a time period of the longsuffering of God. There will be a day when the Lord rescues the righteous from the earth and tribulations will begin. At that point, the only way for people who have now changed their mind’s about Jesus being the Christ is for them to be martyred. Meanwhile Peter tells us not to be upset about our own suffering in the flesh because Jesus suffered too; and when we suffer, we abstain from evil and seek out Jesus’ will for our lives.
