Who's Sins?

[Kutless]

1Peter 4:7-9

But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity amoung yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Kutless

1Peter 4:7-9

But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity amoung yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Yours????

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Kutless

1Peter 4:7-9

But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity amoung yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

The sins of all involved. Sometimes you cover other's sins and sometimes they cover yours. This does not mean excuse - it means keep confidences, pray, and restore in love.

Blessings, Rhoni

Originally Posted by Kutless

1Peter 4:7-9

But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity amoung yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

The Greek word translated "cover" in that passage means: to hide, veil - to hinder the knowledge of a thing. The Greek word translated "sins" in that passage has the following meanings:

1. equivalent to 264 (hamartano -
   1. to be without a share in
   2. to miss the mark
   3. to err, be mistaken
   4. to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
   5. to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin)
   1. to be without a share in
   2. to miss the mark
   3. to err, be mistaken
   4. to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
   5. to wander from the law of God, violate God's law,
2. that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act
3. collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many

Matthew Henry said the following about the passage:

"There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together. But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and lasting; that abideth for ever."

Here are the notes from The Geneva Bible (the Bible the Pilgrims used):

4:7 5 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

(5) He returns to his purpose, using an argument taken from the circumstance of the time. Because the last end is at hand, and therefore we must much more diligently watch and pray, with true sobriety of mind.

4:8 6 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

(6) He commends charity towards one another, because it buries a multitude of sins, and therefore preserves and maintains peace and harmony: for they who love one another easily forgive one another their offences.

4:9 7 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

(7) Of all the duties of charity, he commends one, namely that which was at that time most necessary, that is, hospitality, which he would have be voluntary and most courteous and bountiful.


Regarding verse 8, the Jamieson, Faussett and Brown Commentary said:

"The oldest manuscripts have "covereth." Quoted from Pr 10:12; compare Pr 17:9. "Covereth" so as not harshly to condemn or expose faults; but forbearingly to bear the other's burdens, forgiving and forgetting past offenses. Perhaps the additional idea is included, By prayer for them, love tries to have them covered by God; and so being the instrument of converting the sinner from his error, "covereth a (not 'the,' as English Version) multitude of sins"; but the former idea from Proverbs is the prominent one. It is not, as Rome teaches, "covereth" his own sins; for then the Greek middle voice would be used; and Pr 10:12; 17:9 support the Protestant view. "As God with His love covers my sins if I believe, so must I also cover the sins of my neighbor" [LUTHER]. Compare the conduct of Shem and Japheth to Noah (Ge 9:23), in contrast to Ham's exposure of his father's shame. We ought to cover others' sins only where love itself does not require the contrary."