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Verse Takeaways
1
Love's Supreme Importance
Commentators emphasize that the phrase "above all things" is not an exaggeration. They see Peter placing fervent, active love as the supreme virtue for the Christian community. This love is described as "intense" and "stretched out," signifying a deliberate, active commitment rather than a passive emotion. As Charles Spurgeon notes, it is the main mark of discipleship.
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Book Overview
1 Peter
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On 1 Peter 4:8
18th Century
Theologian
And above all things. More than all other things.
Have fervent charity among yourselves. This means warm, ardent love<…
AT Robertson
On 1 Peter 4:8
Above all things (προ παντων). See this phrase in Jas 5:12.
Being fervent (εκτενη εχοντες). Present active…
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Peter 4:8
19th Century
Bishop
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.—The original is far more vigorous: But before all things keeping intense y…
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Charles Spurgeon
On 1 Peter 4:7–8
19th Century
Preacher
But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all” reminds us of the primacy of agape, “love” (GK 26 & 27) among fellow Christians. This love is to be “eager” or “earnest” (NIV “deeply”;…
John Calvin
On 1 Peter 4:8
16th Century
Theologian
And above all things, He commends charity or love as the first thing, for it is the bond of perfection. And He urges it to be fervent,…
John Gill
On 1 Peter 4:8
17th Century
Pastor
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves ,
&c.] Not but that charity, or love, is to be exercised …
Matthew Henry
On 1 Peter 4:7–11
17th Century
Minister
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. The speedy approach of death and judgment concerns everyon…