Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 4:15

"For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men`s matters:" — 1 Peter 4:15 (ASV)

The blessing of the Spirit promised to those who suffer is not universal, for not all who suffer are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Much suffering is the punishment or consequence of sin. If they suffer, it should be because of their union with Jesus, not with evil. Christians must make a clear break with sin (4:1–3; cf. Romans 6:1ff.; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11). The sins mentioned here characterize a pagan, not a Christian, lifestyle. Yet it is possible for Christians to fall in times of weakness.