1 Peter 4:18

“And if the righteous scarcely be saved, etc.] Reference is had to (<201131>Proverbs 11:31) where in the Septuagint version are the same words as here: the “righteous” are such, not who are so in their own opinion, or merely in the esteem of others, nor on account of their vility, morality, and external righteousness before men, or by the deeds of the law; but who are made righteous by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them: and such are “scarcely saved”; not as if they were but in part saved, for they are completely saved; Christ has wrought out and finished a complete salvation for them; and they are saved from all enemies, and everything that might hurt them; from sin, Satan, the law,…”

“scarcely--Compare "so as by fire," Co1 3:15; having to pass through trying chastisements, as David did for his sin. "The righteous" man has always more or less of trial, but the issue is certain, and the entrance into the kingdom abundant at last. The "scarcely" marks the severity of the ordeal, and the unlikelihood (in a mere human point of view) of the righteous sustaining it; but the righteousness of Christ and God's everlasting covenant make it all sure. ungodly--having no regard for God; negative description. sinner--loving sin; positive; the same man is at once God-forgetting and sin-loving. appear--in judgment.”

“And if the righteous scarcely be saved - If they are saved with difficulty. The word used here (μόλις molis) occurs in the following places: Acts 14:18, “scarce restrained they the people;” Acts 27:7, “and scarce were come over against Cnidus;” 1 Peter 4:8, “and hardly passing it;” 1 Peter 4:16, “we had much work to come by the boat” - literally, we were able with difficulty to get the boat; Romans 5:7, “scarcely for a righteous man will one die;” and in the passage before us. The word implies that there is some difficulty, or obstruction, so that the thing came very near not to happen, or so that there was much risk about it. Compare Luke 13:31. The apostle in this passage seems to have…”

“If the righteous scarcely be saved - Escape with the utmost difficulty. Where shall the ungodly - The man who knows not God. And the open sinner appear - In that day of vengeance. The salvation here primarily spoken of is of a temporal nature. But we may apply the words to eternal things, and then they are still more awful. Pro 11:31. 1 Peter 4:19”

“if: Pe1 5:8; Pro 11:31; Jer 25:29; Eze 18:24; Zac 13:9; Mat 24:22-24; Mar 13:20-22; Luk 23:31; Act 14:22, Act 27:24, Act 27:31, Act 27:42-44; Co1 10:12; Heb 4:1, Heb 10:38, Heb 10:39 where: Psa 1:4, Psa 1:5; Rom 1:18, Rom 5:6; Pe2 2:5, Pe2 2:6, Pe2 3:7; Jde 1:15 the sinner: Gen 13:13; Sa1 15:18; Luk 15:1; Rom 5:8 1 Peter 4:19”