1 Peter 4:10–11

Context

First Peter is a letter addressed to believers living as "strangers scattered" throughout several regions of Asia Minor: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1). It has traditionally been attributed to the apostle Peter, although some scholars assign it to a different author.

First Peter 4:7 opens with the words "the end of all things is at hand" and goes on to exhort a community living in anticipation of the end. After calling readers in turn to be sober and watch unto prayer, to have fervent charity among themselves, and to use hospitality one to another without grudging, the letter turns in this passage to service through the use of spiritual gifts. Verse 11 closes with a brief doxology (a word of praise) ascribing glory to God.

Interpretation

• Stewardship reading: A "steward" (Greek oikonomos) is one entrusted with managing the affairs of a master's household. On the basis of this term, many interpreters understand gifts not as personal possessions but as something received from God and held in trust. This reading has made the passage one of the principal texts of stewardship theology.
• Two categories of gifts: A widely held interpretation takes the phrases "if any man speak" and "if any man minister" in verse 11 as grouping all gifts into two broad categories: ministries of the word and ministries of service. Unlike Romans 12 or 1 Corinthians 12, the passage does not list the gifts individually but gathers them under broad headings.
• The ministry of all believers: Drawing attention to the words "every man," this interpretation holds that all believers, not only officeholders, have received gifts. In Protestant teaching the passage is sometimes connected with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

Questions of Application

• The meaning of "as the oracles of God": This expression is commonly read as an exhortation to those who speak to do so responsibly, in the manner of one delivering God's word. Some caution that it should not be stretched to mean that a preacher's words carry the same authority as Scripture.
• The scope of the gifts: Some Reformed interpreters who hold to cessationism understand the "speaking gifts" as centered on teaching and preaching. Pentecostal and charismatic interpreters maintain that gifts such as prophecy may also be included.
• The object of the doxology: Because the Greek grammar permits both readings, commentators are divided over whether "to whom" at the end of verse 11 refers to God or to Jesus Christ.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in sermons on church service and church offices, and at services in which volunteers such as teachers and choir members dedicate themselves to ministry. Some Korean translations render "steward" with a word meaning "manager."

Related Passages

• Romans 12:6–8
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
• Ephesians 4:11–12
• 1 Peter 2:5