1 Peter 4:11 Commentary, To Him Belong Glory and Dominion Forever and Ever.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11, KJV
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11, NIV
11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
1 Peter 4:11, NLT
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11, ESV
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 was written to encourage Christians to be faithful witnesses for Christ and to do all through God’s gifts, even in the face of persecution. Christians should speak as if God were speaking through them and when helping others, do it with all the strength and energy provided by God.
At the time, Christians were often targeted because of their beliefs, and many faced physical and emotional hardships as a result. Peter understood that it would be difficult for Christians to stand strong in the face of such opposition. However, he also knew that they could overcome their fears and be bold, Godly Christians.
This verse speaks to the character of God as one who is both truth-speaking and one who provides strength for His people. It also affirms that it is through Christ alone that God is most glorified. This glorious truth should give us great hope and comfort, knowing that no matter what we face in this world, our sovereign and just God is ultimately in control.
Interpretation
Christians should not only be mindful of their words, but also their actions, and we should strive to live our lives in a way that glorifies God. This can be done by speaking kindly and serving others with God’s strength and a servant’s heart. In the same way He has blessed us with “things” of the material world, He has also blessed us with the speech and strength to serve others. When we live our lives in this way, God will receive all the glory and honor due to Him.
As His people, set apart from others, we must remind ourselves that we are called to proclaim His excellencies and all that we do is through Him. As seen in this verse, this certainly includes the way we speak to others and how we draw strength through Him to help our fellow man.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9, NIV
The phrase “the very words of God” can be understood to mean speaking words that are in line with God’s character. In other words, Christians should aim to speak truthfully, kindly, and compassionately – just as Jesus did.
Context
This verse is set in the context of Christians using their gifts to serve others and glorify God. The apostle Peter is writing to a group of Christians who are suffering persecution and he reminds them they should be encouraged by the faith they have shown in God. He tells them that they must not be ashamed of their faith, but rather they should use it to serve others. In doing so, they will bring glory to God.
In all things, God should receive the glory.
Correlation
This verse speaks to how we are to serve God and that all we do is through Him and His blessings. We must also be mindful of what we say and serve others wholeheartedly.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV
Some may interpret this verse as a warning about speaking carelessly and causing harm. By urging Christians to speak only words that are inspired by God, Peter makes the correlation to other lessons about being on guard against false teaching (even if it comes from within). It is a reminder for us to be careful with our words, lest we unintentionally lead others astray.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29, NIV
Whether our blessings are material or spiritual, we must use them fully and in a manner that brings Him glory.
Application
This verse is a good reminder that we are called to serve others, not just ourselves, and to do so with the blessings we have received through God. When we serve others, we are showing Christ’s love in practical ways and giving glory to Him.
One way to apply this verse to our lives is to make sure that our words and actions are in line with what Scripture teaches.
It can also be as simple as doing something nice for someone without expecting anything in return. For example, if you are a good cook, you could make a meal for someone who is going through a difficult time. Or if you are creative, you could use your talents to make something special for someone. It can be easy to forget using God’s strength doesn’t have to mean the use of literal, physical strength.
When we serve others, we are bringing joy and blessings into their lives, and we are also following the call for us to love our neighbors.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:36-39, ESV
A Christian who speaks God’s words and uses the strength of His power, forever brings honor to the gospel.
