How does this verse connect with the Ten Commandments' moral teachings? Verse under study 1 Peter 4:15: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or evildoer or as a meddler.” A quick look back at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) 1. No other gods 2. No idols 3. Do not take the LORD’s name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath 5. Honor father and mother 6. You shall not murder 7. You shall not commit adultery 8. You shall not steal 9. You shall not bear false witness 10. You shall not covet Direct connections Peter makes • Murderer → Commandment 6: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) • Thief → Commandment 8: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15) • Evildoer → a blanket term that sweeps in every violation of God’s moral law listed at Sinai • Meddler (“busybody,” one who intrudes into matters not his own) → the spirit of Commandment 10, coveting what belongs to another, and Commandment 9, speaking into another’s affairs with false or harmful intent Why Peter reaches back to Sinai • He assumes the moral law still defines sin. Breaking it brings legitimate suffering, not persecution for righteousness (1 Peter 4:16). • His audience, scattered and under trial, must distinguish suffering for Christ from suffering for crime. The Commandments are the line. • By naming murder and theft, he reminds believers that civil justice may involve punishment (Romans 13:9-4). Other New-Testament echoes • James 2:10-11—violating one point of the Law makes a person guilty of all; Peter’s list shows how any single sin mars witness. • Romans 13:9—Paul sums up several Commandments, then adds, “and whatever other commandment there may be,” echoing Peter’s “evildoer.” • Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28—Jesus deepens the heart application, showing that anger and lust break Commandments 6 and 7; Peter’s “evildoer” covers inward as well as outward acts. Living out the connection today • Guard life—reject violence, hatred, abortion, euthanasia, or any attitude that devalues image-bearers. • Respect property—practice honest work, pay debts, and avoid gray-area “borrowing.” • Reject all forms of wrongdoing—if God’s Word labels something sin, suffering for it is not Christian persecution but deserved consequence. • Mind your own business—refuse gossip, prying, or social-media meddling that springs from envy or coveting. • When suffering comes for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 4:16), rejoice; when it comes from breaking the Commandments, repent. |
    |