Verse
Context
Living for God’s Glory
10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Sermons
Paris Reidhead
Leonard Ravenhill
Jim CymbalaParis Reidhead
David DaltonParis ReidheadSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man speak - In order to explain or enforce God's word, and edify his neighbor, let him do it as those did to whom the living oracles were committed: they spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost. Those, therefore, at Pontus, etc., who undertook to teach others, should speak by the same influence; or, if not under this immediate influence, should speak as or according to the oracles already delivered, grounding all their exhortations and doctrines on some portion of that revelation already given. This command is sent to every man upon earth in holy orders, in pretended holy orders, or pretending to holy orders. Their teaching should be what the oracles of God, the Holy Scriptures, teach and authenticate. Of the ability which God giveth - Perhaps the ministering here may refer to the care of the poor, and the ability is the quantum of means which God may have placed in their hands; and they are to minister this as coming immediately from God, and lead the minds of the poor to consider him as their benefactor, that he in all things may be glorified through Christ Jesus. This is implied in the essence of any charitable act: the actor is not the author, God is the author; and the poor man should be taught to consider him as his immediate benefactor. Those who give any thing as from themselves, rob God; for to him the praise for all good, and the dominion over all men and things, belong for ever and ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If any . . . speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. as the, &c.--The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Act 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Rom 12:6, "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." But the context suits better thus, "Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD." His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and as a steward (Pe1 4:10) having them committed to him, he ought so to speak them. Jesus was the pattern in this respect (Mat 7:29; Joh 12:49; Joh 14:10; compare Paul, Co2 2:17). Note, the very same term as is applied in the only other passages where it occurs (Act 7:38; Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12), to the Old Testament inspired writings, is here predicated of the inspired words (the substance of which was afterwards committed to writing) of the New Testament prophets. minister--in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking. as of--"out of" the store of his "strength" (Greek, physical power in relation to outward service, rather than moral and intellectual "ability"; so in Mar 12:30). giveth--Greek, "supplieth"; originally said of a choragus, who supplied the chorus with all necessaries for performing their several parts. that God in all things may be glorified--the final end of all a Christian's acts. through Jesus Christ--the mediator through whom all our blessings come down to us, and also through whom all our praises ascend to God. Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings. to whom--Christ. be--Greek, "is." for ever and ever--Greek, "unto the ages of the ages."
John Gill Bible Commentary
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God,.... This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: "if any man speak"; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: "let him speak": this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: "as the oracles of God"; by which are meant the writings of the Old Testament, the sacred Scriptures; see Rom 3:2 so called, because they come from God, are breathed and spoken by him, and contain his mind and will, and are authoritative and infallible; and according to these he is to speak who speaks in public on divine subjects, both as to the matter and manner of his speech: the matter of it must be agreeably to the divinely inspired word of God, must be fetched out of it, and confirmed by it; and he is to speak every thing that is in it, and keep back nothing, but declare the whole counsel of God, and only what is in it, without mixing his own chaff, or the doctrines of men with it; and it should be spoken in a manner agreeably to it, not as the word of man, but as the word of God; and not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but in the words of the Holy Ghost; and with all boldness, for so the Gospel ought to be spoken; and with all certainty and assurance, constantly affirming the things of it, for nothing is more sure than they are; and with all openness, plainness, and freedom, making truth manifest, laying it plain and open before men, as it ought to be; and that with all reverence and godly fear, which becomes both speaker and hearer. The apostle next proceeds to mention another case, to which the above rule is applicable; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that is, if any man minister in temporal things to the supply of the poor; if a private man, and in a private way, let him do it in proportion to his ability, as God has prospered him in the world; or if an officer of the church, a deacon; and which seems to be the sense, for so the word used signifies, if any man perform the office, or act the part of a deacon, let him do it according to what God, in his providence, has put into his hands; that is, of the church's stock, which he should minister with simplicity and cheerfulness. A like division of church offices into public preaching of the word, and ministering to the wants of the poor, is here made, as in Rom 12:6. The end of all this is, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; or by all means, as the Arabic version renders it; by all ways and methods proper; for the glory of God should be the principal view in every action of life: hence the Syriac version adds to the phrase, "in all things", for the sake of explanation, "which ye do"; by sobriety, by prayer, by watching unto it; by exercising fervent charity, and using hospitality one to another; by ministering the gift as it is received; by the public ministration of the word; and by supplying the wants of the poor, whether in a personal or in a church way: or in all gifts, whether private or public, temporal or spiritual; since they all come from God, and men are accountable to him for them; and therefore should be used so as to glorify him by them, and give him the glory of them; and not glory in them, as if not received from him: or in all the members of the church, whether officers, as pastors and deacons, or private Christians; all should so behave in their respective stations, as God may have glory: "through Jesus Christ": through whom all grace is communicated, by whom all gifts are bestowed, and by virtue of grace and strength received from him every good work is performed to the glory of God: to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever; meaning either to God the Father, from whom every good gift comes; who is the God of all grace, of whom, and through whom, and to whom, are all things; and therefore the praise and glory of all belongs to him; and who has the dominion over all creatures and things, and has the disposal of all in nature, providence, and grace: or to Jesus Christ, out of whose fulness manifold grace, grace for grace, is received; and who having ascended on high, has received gifts for men, and gives them to them, and so is worthy of all praise; and who, as God, has the kingdom of nature and providence equally with the Father, and, as Mediator, the kingdom of grace, the government of the church; and whose dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth; and of whose kingdom there will be no end. Amen; so let it be, so shall it be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen: This doxology has led some to suggest that one original letter of Peter ended here and that another one was added to it. Doxologies in the New Testament do appear at the end of letters (Rom 16:25-27; Phil 4:20; Heb 13:21; 2 Pet 3:18; Jude 1:24-25), but also at the end of sections within letters (Rom 11:36; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 1:17). Since there is no textual evidence for the existence of two separate letters, it is better to assume that this doxology marks the end of a major section of the letter.
Living for God’s Glory
10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Full Sermon)
By Paris Reidhead2.3K50:58MAT 16:24ROM 11:361CO 6:191CO 10:312CO 5:15GAL 2:20PHP 1:20COL 3:171PE 4:11REV 4:11
This sermon emphasizes the contrast between serving God for personal gain, like a Levite serving for 10 shekels and a shirt, and serving God for His glory. It challenges listeners to repent and surrender to God not for personal benefits but because He is worthy of love, obedience, and service. The story of the two young Moravians who sold themselves into slavery to reach slaves with the Gospel illustrates the selfless dedication to bring glory to God.
Living Hope Through the Resurrection
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K1:25:16ResurrectionMAT 4:4HEB 13:8JAS 1:21PE 1:71PE 2:211PE 4:111PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the hunger for God that he sees in America, particularly among the younger generation. He emphasizes the need for wisdom and guidance from fathers in the faith. The speaker expresses a desire for something greater in his generation and a dissatisfaction with spiritual stagnation. He shares a story about a meeting where God's presence was evident and encourages the congregation to seek a deeper experience with God.
(Church Leadership) 8. Speaking as God's Representative
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:52MAT 6:33LUK 9:23JHN 14:6ROM 12:31TI 4:162TI 2:151PE 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking God's word effectively. He highlights the need to speak as the utterance of God, whether it is a short or long message. The speaker also emphasizes the balance between personal life and ministry, drawing inspiration from the example of Christ and scripture. He encourages listeners to be quick to hear and slow to speak, both in human relationships and in their relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes the fear and responsibility that comes with speaking for God and warns against wasting time with boring sermons that lack the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Substance
By Jim Cymbala1.8K42:09Sermon Preparation2CH 7:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:341CO 2:42TI 4:2JAS 1:221PE 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God. He encourages preachers to focus on delivering a message from God's word rather than relying on their own abilities or clever points. The speaker highlights the need for ministers to lead people into a love for the Bible, as it is through the word of God that individuals can draw near to God. He also warns against being incompetent ministers who seek attention or fail to feed the people spiritually. The sermon concludes with a reminder that preaching should be accompanied by a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Audio Sermon: Ten Shekels and a Shirt
By Paris Reidhead1.2K51:16ROM 11:361CO 10:31GAL 2:20PHP 1:21COL 3:231PE 4:11
This sermon delves into the story of Micah and the Levite from Judges Chapter 17, highlighting the danger of serving God for personal gain or utility rather than for His glory. It emphasizes the need for repentance not for personal benefit but because God deserves our worship and obedience. The speaker contrasts utilitarian Christianity with true devotion to God, urging listeners to surrender fully to Christ for His glory alone.
Dwelling in Ceiled Houses
By David Dalton1.2K35:33Family1KI 6:9ISA 55:2ISA 61:10MAT 5:16MAT 7:24JHN 17:171PE 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals and the church as a whole to prioritize glorifying God rather than themselves. He highlights the importance of allowing the truth to prick our consciences and urges listeners to consider their ways. The preacher emphasizes the need for sacrificial giving and a shift towards spiritual thinking rather than being consumed by material possessions. He concludes by quoting Jesus, who instructs his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Audio)
By Paris Reidhead92651:01MAT 16:24JHN 12:24ROM 11:361CO 6:191CO 10:31GAL 2:20PHP 1:21COL 3:231PE 4:11
This sermon delves into the story of Micah and the Levite, highlighting the dangers of serving God for personal gain or benefits, rather than for His glory. It emphasizes the need for repentance and surrender to God, not for the sake of personal happiness or success, but because God deserves our worship and obedience. The speaker challenges listeners to abandon utilitarian Christianity and instead focus on glorifying God in all aspects of life.
Gravity and Gladness on Sunday Morning - Lesson 3a
By John Piper73438:14PSA 37:4HAB 3:17MAT 6:33JHN 15:5ROM 12:1PHP 4:41PE 4:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of relying on the grace of Christ moment by moment and consulting God's ways in our daily lives. He emphasizes the need for integrity and hard work, allowing the principles of Scripture to shape our actions. The speaker also explores the shift in worship practices from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting the essence of worship as finding delight and satisfaction in God. He references Luke 12:33 to illustrate the concept of storing treasures in heaven through acts of love and selflessness.
Homiletics: Asking Questions of the Text - Part 6
By Tim Conway5172:54:44COL 3:172TI 2:152TI 4:1HEB 4:121PE 4:11
This sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word of God as the ultimate source of divine truth, rather than personal opinions, dreams, or the teachings of men. It encourages preachers to present theological dilemmas and thought-provoking questions to engage the minds of listeners and avoid spiritual slumber. The goal is to faithfully handle the Word of God, aiming to please the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Peoples Church, Toronto Am
By Richard Wurmbrand21356:19PersecutionMAT 6:331PE 4:11In this sermon, Pastor Richard Wernbrand shares his experiences of being imprisoned for 14 years in communist jails. He describes the harsh conditions they endured, including being kept in solitary confinement underground, without seeing sunlight or having access to books or writing materials. Despite the physical and emotional hardships, Pastor Wernbrand reflects on the power of silence in allowing him to hear and confront his past sins and lies. He emphasizes the importance of speaking as the oracles of God and encourages believers to know and live by the words of the Bible.
To Him Be Glory Both Now and Forever
By C.H. Spurgeon1Glorifying GodEternal GloryPSA 115:1ISA 43:7MAT 5:16ROM 12:11CO 10:31PHP 4:13COL 3:23HEB 7:171PE 4:11REV 19:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the eternal glory of Jesus, proclaiming that heaven will be filled with His praises forever. He reflects on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, asserting that the glory of the cross must never fade. Spurgeon encourages believers to glorify Jesus in their daily lives, regardless of their circumstances, and to seek ways to honor Him with their time, talents, and hearts. He calls for a heartfelt commitment to serve and glorify God now, as preparation for the eternal worship to come. Ultimately, he urges the congregation to make it their prayer to glorify God in all aspects of their lives.
The Spirit of Power
By A.B. Simpson1Spiritual PowerHoly SpiritJHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 1:161CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 3:20PHP 4:131TH 1:52TI 1:71PE 4:11A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, asserting that true spiritual power is not derived from intellect, organization, or numbers, but from the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. He explains that this power convicts of sin, elevates Christ, and compels decisive action among believers. Simpson encourages the church to seek this divine power, which is available to all who are willing to be vessels for God's work, regardless of their status or circumstances. He highlights the importance of holiness, faith, love, and the right motives in accessing this spiritual power, ultimately pointing to Christ as the source of all strength.
An Instrument for God to Use
By A.W. Tozer1Being an Instrument for GodDependence on the Holy SpiritZEC 4:6JHN 15:5ACT 1:8ROM 12:61CO 12:42CO 3:5GAL 5:22EPH 3:20PHP 4:131PE 4:11A.W. Tozer emphasizes that to truly please God, one must be an instrument for His use, much like household appliances that require an external power source to function. He illustrates that without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, even the most talented individuals in the church are ineffective in their roles. Tozer calls for a reliance not on natural gifts but on the dynamic power of God to energize and bless the work being done. He urges believers to seek effectiveness through surrendering to the Spirit's leading, rather than depending solely on their abilities. The sermon concludes with a prayer for deliverance from reliance on human gifts and a desire for God's power to flow through His people.
Writing, Printing, Speaking
By George Fox0JHN 4:14JHN 6:35GAL 5:251TH 5:191PE 4:11George Fox emphasizes the importance of not hindering the Spirit's movements and urges the congregation to only speak, write, or act as they are led by the Lord God, as this is effective in reaching others. He encourages the listeners to feed on spiritual sustenance that comes from above, symbolized by knowing Jesus as the Bread of Life and the source of eternal satisfaction. Fox highlights the need to continue in obedience to the Spirit's promptings, as it leads to a life above worldly concerns and brings one closer to God's purpose and plan.
The Importance of Preaching
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PRO 15:28ISA 6:8MAT 28:19LUK 4:18ACT 20:271CO 1:17COL 4:62TI 2:152TI 4:21PE 4:11W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of preaching, highlighting the tendency to neglect preaching in modern times and the detrimental effects of poor preaching. He stresses the necessity of strong ministry and effective Church through preaching, drawing examples from the Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles. Thomas discusses the historical significance of preaching in maintaining the purity and strength of the Church, citing examples from Church history. He urges theological students and clergy to prioritize preaching, dedicating time, effort, and thought to sermon preparation for spiritual prosperity.
God Claims All
By Andrew Murray0Surrender to GodGlorifying GodPSA 37:4PSA 86:9ISA 43:7ROM 11:361CO 10:31EPH 2:10PHP 2:13COL 3:171PE 4:11REV 4:11Andrew Murray emphasizes that all things originate from God and ultimately return to Him, underscoring that the chief purpose of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. He explains that glorifying God involves making known His glory and yielding ourselves as instruments for His will. By recognizing that everything is from and through God, our surrender becomes more natural, leading us to fulfill our purpose of glorifying Him. Murray encourages believers to minister with the strength God provides, ensuring that all glory is directed to Him through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:11
By John Gill0Glorifying GodPublic MinistryROM 3:2ROM 12:61CO 10:31EPH 3:20COL 3:231TI 4:132TI 4:2HEB 13:16JAS 1:171PE 4:11John Gill emphasizes the importance of speaking and ministering in accordance with God's word, urging that public ministry should reflect the authority and infallibility of the Scriptures. He explains that speakers must convey the whole counsel of God with boldness, clarity, and reverence, while ministers should serve according to their God-given abilities. The ultimate goal of all actions, whether in preaching or serving, is to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Gill concludes by affirming that all gifts and abilities come from God, and thus, all praise and dominion belong to Him.
The Gift of Prophecy
By G.W. North0Edification of the ChurchThe Gift of ProphecyPRO 9:1JOL 2:28ACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 12:71CO 14:11CO 14:31EPH 4:111TH 5:201PE 4:11G.W. North emphasizes the paramount importance of the gift of Prophecy in the Church, asserting that it is the highest of spiritual gifts as indicated by the Apostle Paul. He explains that Prophecy serves as the foundational stream from which other gifts like Wisdom and Knowledge flow, and that it is essential for the edification of the Church. North argues that all believers are encouraged to prophesy, making it a common and vital practice during gatherings for worship. He highlights that the purpose of Prophecy is to build up the Church through words of comfort, guidance, and instruction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of the significance of Prophecy in the life of the Church.
All Things Should Be Referred to God as Their Last End
By Thomas a Kempis0God as Our Ultimate PurposeThe Source of All GoodPSA 37:4PSA 100:4PRO 3:6MAT 6:33ROM 11:361CO 10:31PHP 4:19COL 3:17JAS 1:171PE 4:11Thomas a Kempis emphasizes that God must be the ultimate purpose of our lives to attain true blessing. He warns against the dangers of self-seeking and encourages believers to refer all things back to God, the source of all goodness. Acknowledging God as the giver of all gifts leads to a heart filled with grace, while seeking glory apart from Him results in distress. True joy and virtue come from recognizing that all good is from God, and we must return thanks to Him. Ultimately, divine love is the key to overcoming self-love and envy, leading to a life of true wisdom and joy in God alone.
Where Is the Wise, Where Is the Scribe? &C.
By Isaac Penington0ISA 46:8MAT 11:27JHN 1:12ROM 8:14EPH 1:13HEB 5:8HEB 10:191PE 4:11The preacher delves into the significance of God as our Father, emphasizing the intimate relationship and the spiritual inheritance we have as His children. The sermon explores the concept of God's fatherhood in both physical and spiritual realms, highlighting the importance of recognizing God as our Father in prayer and life. It discusses the distinction between God's transcendence and immanence, calling believers to approach Him with reverence and trust. The message focuses on the foundational role of God as our Father in shaping our prayers, faith, and understanding of His character.
Reason and Zeal for Drowsy Sinners
By Richard Baxter0ECC 9:101CO 9:16COL 3:232TI 4:21PE 4:11Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of ministers preaching with utmost seriousness and earnestness, delivering messages about eternal life and damnation in a way that truly awakens and convicts sinners. He urges preachers to speak passionately and fervently, to apply doctrine closely and vividly, and to communicate with conviction and zeal, knowing that the eternal fate of their listeners is at stake. Baxter stresses the need for ministers to awaken their own hearts before attempting to awaken others, to pray earnestly for their congregation's faith and repentance, and to diligently carry out their ministerial work with all their might, recognizing the immense significance of their role in saving souls and advancing God's kingdom.
The Father Glorified
By Andrew Murray0Bearing FruitGlorifying GodMAT 5:16JHN 15:5JHN 15:8ROM 15:62CO 9:8GAL 5:22EPH 2:10PHP 4:13COL 1:101PE 4:11Andrew Murray emphasizes that we glorify God not by adding to His glory, but by allowing His glory to shine through us by bearing much fruit. He explains that just as a vineyard owner is glorified by the fruit of his vines, the Father is glorified when we produce abundant fruit in our lives. Murray encourages believers to recognize that their ability to bear fruit comes solely from God, and that little fruit robs God of the glory He deserves. He urges Christians to abide in Christ, rely on His strength, and take on the burden of the lost, as this is how we can truly glorify the Father. The call to bear much fruit is both a challenge and a promise, as it leads to the manifestation of God's goodness and power in our lives.
Epistle 122
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityISA 40:31ZEC 2:13MRK 10:421CO 9:252TI 2:14JAS 1:191PE 4:11REV 3:18George Fox emphasizes the importance of purity and unity among believers, urging them to silence fleshly desires and avoid contention. He warns against striving for mastery and exercising lordship over one another, encouraging a humble mindset that focuses on God's will. Fox highlights that departing from purity leads to pride and division, while waiting on the Lord brings nourishment and glorifies God. He calls for believers to gather in humility, listen, and be cautious of contention, which can lead them away from the fear of the Lord.
To Young Preachers
By Barton W. Stone0PRO 11:14MAT 25:211CO 1:171TI 6:62TI 2:231PE 4:11Barton W. Stone advises young preachers to seek counsel from older, experienced individuals and to avoid engaging in debates that lead to strife and division, emphasizing the importance of preaching the Gospel with boldness and humility. He encourages preachers to deliver the Word in the spirit, living a holy life both in and out of the pulpit, and to focus on saving souls rather than seeking worldly approval. Stone also warns against covetousness and urges preachers to fight the good fight of faith, following after righteousness and godliness.
If There Are Artisans in the Monastery
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:1ACT 5:1PHP 2:3COL 3:231PE 4:11St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and permission in practicing crafts in the monastery. He warns against becoming conceited over one's skills and the temptation to think one is benefiting the monastery. Craftsmen are reminded not to engage in fraud, with a reference to the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. St. Benedict encourages fair pricing without succumbing to greed, aiming to glorify God in all transactions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man speak - In order to explain or enforce God's word, and edify his neighbor, let him do it as those did to whom the living oracles were committed: they spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost. Those, therefore, at Pontus, etc., who undertook to teach others, should speak by the same influence; or, if not under this immediate influence, should speak as or according to the oracles already delivered, grounding all their exhortations and doctrines on some portion of that revelation already given. This command is sent to every man upon earth in holy orders, in pretended holy orders, or pretending to holy orders. Their teaching should be what the oracles of God, the Holy Scriptures, teach and authenticate. Of the ability which God giveth - Perhaps the ministering here may refer to the care of the poor, and the ability is the quantum of means which God may have placed in their hands; and they are to minister this as coming immediately from God, and lead the minds of the poor to consider him as their benefactor, that he in all things may be glorified through Christ Jesus. This is implied in the essence of any charitable act: the actor is not the author, God is the author; and the poor man should be taught to consider him as his immediate benefactor. Those who give any thing as from themselves, rob God; for to him the praise for all good, and the dominion over all men and things, belong for ever and ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If any . . . speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. as the, &c.--The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Act 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Rom 12:6, "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." But the context suits better thus, "Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD." His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and as a steward (Pe1 4:10) having them committed to him, he ought so to speak them. Jesus was the pattern in this respect (Mat 7:29; Joh 12:49; Joh 14:10; compare Paul, Co2 2:17). Note, the very same term as is applied in the only other passages where it occurs (Act 7:38; Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12), to the Old Testament inspired writings, is here predicated of the inspired words (the substance of which was afterwards committed to writing) of the New Testament prophets. minister--in acts; the other sphere of spiritual activity besides speaking. as of--"out of" the store of his "strength" (Greek, physical power in relation to outward service, rather than moral and intellectual "ability"; so in Mar 12:30). giveth--Greek, "supplieth"; originally said of a choragus, who supplied the chorus with all necessaries for performing their several parts. that God in all things may be glorified--the final end of all a Christian's acts. through Jesus Christ--the mediator through whom all our blessings come down to us, and also through whom all our praises ascend to God. Through Christ alone can God be glorified in us and our sayings and doings. to whom--Christ. be--Greek, "is." for ever and ever--Greek, "unto the ages of the ages."
John Gill Bible Commentary
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God,.... This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: "if any man speak"; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: "let him speak": this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: "as the oracles of God"; by which are meant the writings of the Old Testament, the sacred Scriptures; see Rom 3:2 so called, because they come from God, are breathed and spoken by him, and contain his mind and will, and are authoritative and infallible; and according to these he is to speak who speaks in public on divine subjects, both as to the matter and manner of his speech: the matter of it must be agreeably to the divinely inspired word of God, must be fetched out of it, and confirmed by it; and he is to speak every thing that is in it, and keep back nothing, but declare the whole counsel of God, and only what is in it, without mixing his own chaff, or the doctrines of men with it; and it should be spoken in a manner agreeably to it, not as the word of man, but as the word of God; and not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but in the words of the Holy Ghost; and with all boldness, for so the Gospel ought to be spoken; and with all certainty and assurance, constantly affirming the things of it, for nothing is more sure than they are; and with all openness, plainness, and freedom, making truth manifest, laying it plain and open before men, as it ought to be; and that with all reverence and godly fear, which becomes both speaker and hearer. The apostle next proceeds to mention another case, to which the above rule is applicable; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that is, if any man minister in temporal things to the supply of the poor; if a private man, and in a private way, let him do it in proportion to his ability, as God has prospered him in the world; or if an officer of the church, a deacon; and which seems to be the sense, for so the word used signifies, if any man perform the office, or act the part of a deacon, let him do it according to what God, in his providence, has put into his hands; that is, of the church's stock, which he should minister with simplicity and cheerfulness. A like division of church offices into public preaching of the word, and ministering to the wants of the poor, is here made, as in Rom 12:6. The end of all this is, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; or by all means, as the Arabic version renders it; by all ways and methods proper; for the glory of God should be the principal view in every action of life: hence the Syriac version adds to the phrase, "in all things", for the sake of explanation, "which ye do"; by sobriety, by prayer, by watching unto it; by exercising fervent charity, and using hospitality one to another; by ministering the gift as it is received; by the public ministration of the word; and by supplying the wants of the poor, whether in a personal or in a church way: or in all gifts, whether private or public, temporal or spiritual; since they all come from God, and men are accountable to him for them; and therefore should be used so as to glorify him by them, and give him the glory of them; and not glory in them, as if not received from him: or in all the members of the church, whether officers, as pastors and deacons, or private Christians; all should so behave in their respective stations, as God may have glory: "through Jesus Christ": through whom all grace is communicated, by whom all gifts are bestowed, and by virtue of grace and strength received from him every good work is performed to the glory of God: to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever; meaning either to God the Father, from whom every good gift comes; who is the God of all grace, of whom, and through whom, and to whom, are all things; and therefore the praise and glory of all belongs to him; and who has the dominion over all creatures and things, and has the disposal of all in nature, providence, and grace: or to Jesus Christ, out of whose fulness manifold grace, grace for grace, is received; and who having ascended on high, has received gifts for men, and gives them to them, and so is worthy of all praise; and who, as God, has the kingdom of nature and providence equally with the Father, and, as Mediator, the kingdom of grace, the government of the church; and whose dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth; and of whose kingdom there will be no end. Amen; so let it be, so shall it be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen: This doxology has led some to suggest that one original letter of Peter ended here and that another one was added to it. Doxologies in the New Testament do appear at the end of letters (Rom 16:25-27; Phil 4:20; Heb 13:21; 2 Pet 3:18; Jude 1:24-25), but also at the end of sections within letters (Rom 11:36; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 1:17). Since there is no textual evidence for the existence of two separate letters, it is better to assume that this doxology marks the end of a major section of the letter.