Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 4:4

"wherein they think strange that ye run not with [them] into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [of]:" — 1 Peter 4:4 (ASV)

The Christian lifestyle of sober, godly living condemns the values of pagan society. Pagans will respond with astonishment when Christians refuse to plunge into the “flood of dissipation” (cf. the prodigal son’s “wild living” in Lk 15:13), for they expect Christians to “plunge with them” into the pleasures of the satisfaction of the flesh. Peter’s denial is at once a warning and a judgment on the life lived in such a fashion. The pagan amazement will often turn to hatred and evil speaking (cf. Jn 3:19-21).

Christians are supported in their stand against the ungodly life by the truth of the coming judgment. In both OT and NT, God is the Judge. Yet the NT also shows that the Father has given judgment into Jesus’ hands . This judgment is near (4:7); it will be universal, for it will embrace all the living and the dead. In it unbelievers will have to give an account of their lives and will not be able to withstand the divine scrutiny (cf. Psalms 1:5–6).