Matthew Poole Commentary - 1 Peter 4:11 - 4:11

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Matthew Poole Commentary - 1 Peter 4:11 - 4:11


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:





If any man speak; viz. authoritatively, and by way of office, as a public teacher in the church; though this may be accommodated to private Christians in their charitative instructions of others, yet it seems especially meant of teaching officers.



Let him speak as the oracles of God: this relates not only to the manner of speaking, that it be with faith in that word the preacher speaketh, and a due reverence of it, but to the matter likewise, that he preach nothing but the pure word of God, and do not obtrude upon the hearers the fancies, figments, or traditions of men, instead of the oracles of God.



If any man minister: this may be understood either:



1. More particularly of the work of deacons, Act_6:1-15, who were to serve tables, Act_6:2, distribute the alms of the church, and take care of the poor; or:



2. More generally of any ministry in the church, distinct from that of teaching, (of which he spake before), as the dispensing of sacraments, exercise of discipline, &c.



Let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; i.e. not remissly and coldly, but diligently and strenuously, and with his might, as far as God enables him; this being to do it faithfully, which is especially required in a steward, 1Co_4:2.



That God in all things may be glorified; in all your gifts, and the communications of them: q.d. God doth not adorn you with his gifts so as to bereave himself of his glory, but that you should give him the honour of them.



Through Jesus Christ; from whom ye have received the gifts, Eph_4:8, and by whom you are enabled to glorify God; and by whom alone what ye do can be accepted of God. See Eph_3:21.