What is the meaning of 1 Peter 4:5? But The tiny word signals a sharp contrast with the scoffers of verse 4. They may malign believers, “but” their mockery is not the last word. Psalm 37:12-13 reminds us, “The wicked scheme against the righteous … but the Lord laughs at him, for He sees his day is coming.” John 15:18-19 shows the same tension: the world’s hatred now, divine vindication later. “But” shifts our focus from present hostility to God’s impending response. they will have to give an account Accountability is unavoidable. • Romans 14:12: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • Matthew 12:36: even “every careless word” is reviewed. • Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden … we must give account.” Those who thought their sins private will discover that heaven keeps perfect books. Believers rest in Christ’s atonement, yet the ungodly face their own ledger. to Him The Judge is personal, not an impersonal force. Acts 10:42 says Jesus “is the One appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.” John 5:22-23 clarifies that the Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son, compelling honor to Christ. The one to whom every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11) is the very One before whom every account is rendered. who is ready Judgment is not a distant possibility; it is poised, prepared, certain. James 5:9 paints the picture: “Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” 2 Peter 3:9 reassures believers that any delay springs from mercy, not indifference, but readiness remains. God’s patience buys time for repentance, not escape from reckoning. to judge His judgment is: • Righteous—Acts 17:31: “He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice.” • Impartial—1 Peter 1:17: “the Father judges each one’s work impartially.” • Comprehensive—2 Corinthians 5:10: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” For the redeemed, judgment reveals reward (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). For the unrepentant, it confirms condemnation (Revelation 20:11-12). the living and the dead No category escapes. 2 Timothy 4:1 speaks of “Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,” stressing universality. Revelation 20:12 shows “the dead, great and small, standing before the throne,” while Matthew 25:31-32 depicts all nations gathered alive at His coming. Past generations, present rebels, future skeptics—every era, every soul, all summoned. summary Peter’s single verse overturns any illusion that evil has the final say. Though believers suffer ridicule, the scoffers will face Christ, whose courtroom is prepared, whose justice is certain, and whose jurisdiction includes every person who has ever lived. This sober truth fortifies Christians to endure opposition now, confident that their righteous Judge will balance the scales in His perfect time. |
    |