1 Peter 4:11

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, etc.] This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: “if any man speak”; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: “let him speak”: this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: “as the oracles of God”; by which are meant the writings of the Old Testament, the sacred Scriptures; (see <450302>Romans 3:2) so called, because they come from God, are breathed…”

“If any . . . speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. as the, &c.--The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Act 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Rom 12:6, "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." But the context suits better thus, "Let him speak as (becomes one speaking) oracles OF GOD." His divinely inspired words are not his own, but God's, and…”

“If any man speak - As a preacher, referring here particularly to the office of the ministry. Let him speak as the oracles of God - As the oracles of God speak; to wit, in accordance with the truth which God has revealed, and with an impressive sense of the responsibility of delivering a message from him. The word rendered “oracles” (λόγια logia) means, properly, something “spoken” or “uttered”; then anything uttered by God - a divine communication - a revelation. See the Romans 3:2 note; Hebrews 5:12 note. See the general duty here inculcated illustrated at length in the notes at Romans 12:6-8. The passage here has a strong resemblance to the one in Romans. If any man minister - διακονεῖ…”

“If any man speak, let him - In his whole conversation, public and private. Speak as the oracles of God - Let all his words be according to this pattern, both as to matter and manner, more especially in public. By this mark we may always know who are, so far, the true or false prophets. The oracles of God teach that men should repent, believe, obey. He that treats of faith and leaves out repentance, or does not enjoin practical holiness to believers, does not speak as the oracles of God: he does not preach Christ, let him think as highly of himself as he will. If any man minister - Serve his brother in love, whether in spintuals or temporals. Let him minister as of the ability which God…”

“4:11 All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen: This doxology has led some to suggest that one original letter of Peter ended here and that another one was added to it. Doxologies in the New Testament do appear at the end of letters (Rom 16:25-27; Phil 4:20; Heb 13:21; 2 Pet 3:18; Jude 1:24-25), but also at the end of sections within letters (Rom 11:36; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 1:17). Since there is no textual evidence for the existence of two separate letters, it is better to assume that this doxology marks the end of a major section of the letter.”

“any: Isa 8:20; Jer 23:22; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Jam 1:19, Jam 1:26, Jam 3:1-6 as the: Act 7:38; Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12 if: Pe1 4:10 the ability: Ch1 29:11-16; Rom 12:6-8; Co1 3:10, Co1 12:4 that: Pe1 2:5; Co1 6:20, Co1 10:31; Co2 9:13; Eph 3:20, Eph 3:21, Eph 5:20 through: Pe1 2:5; Phi 1:11, Phi 2:11 to whom: Pe1 5:11; Rom 16:27; Eph 3:21; Ti1 1:17, Ti1 6:16; Jde 1:25; Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6 dominion: Psa 145:13; Dan 4:3, Dan 4:34, Dan 7:14; Mat 6:13; Rev 5:12-14 1 Peter 4:12”