What does 1 Peter 4:4-6 mean?

⁴ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: ⁵ Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. ⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. (1 Peter 4:4-6 KJV)

He who judges the living and the dead

Here, you have the visible change in those who were previously described as having lived very wicked lives. They no longer follow the same behavior or keep the same company as before. Observe how their former companions react.

They are surprised and find it strange that their old friends have changed so drastically, no longer rushing into the same excesses and indulgent lifestyles they once embraced. They speak badly of them—their surprise turns into slander. They criticize their character, their way of life, their beliefs, and their God.

1. Those who are truly converted will not return to their former lifestyle, no matter how much they are pressured by others through ridicule or persuasion.
2. The mindset and behavior of true Christians seem strange to unbelievers. That they reject what others value, believe what others find incredible, and find joy in what others see as burdensome is beyond the comprehension of the ungodly.
3. The best actions of faithful people are often criticized by the irreligious. The very acts that cost Christians the most in sacrifice and self-denial are often the ones most harshly judged by the world, even while the world benefits from their charity, devotion, and kindness.

For the comfort of God’s people, it is added:

All wicked people, especially those who slander others more righteous than themselves, will give an account to the one who is ready to judge—the one who has the authority and will soon judge both the living and the dead (James 5:8–9; 2 Peter 3:7). The hostile world will soon answer to God for all the evil things they have said against His people (Jude 1:14–15). They will face judgment for their curses, mockery, lies, and slanders against the faithful.

For this reason, the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in the flesh but live according to God in the Spirit (1 Peter 4:6). Some interpret this to mean that the gospel was preached to the faithful who have since died, to encourage them to endure unjust judgment and persecution from others, but to live in the Spirit before God. Others understand it to mean that the gospel exposed and reproved their sinful nature and former way of life, so that by putting sin to death, they might live a new spiritual life according to God.

1. Putting sin to death and living for God are the expected results of hearing the gospel.
2. God will judge everyone who has heard the gospel but has not allowed it to change them. He is ready to judge those who have received it in vain.

It doesn’t matter how people judge us outwardly if we are living according to God in the Spirit.