1 Peter 4:4
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Study Note
Study Note
'Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you' — Peter's social diagnosis of the hostility faced by believers in Asia Minor explains that persecution is often triggered not by any active aggression from Christians but by their non-participation in the surrounding culture's communal social and religious activities. The word 'excess of riot' (tes asōtias anakhusin — literally 'the flood of debauchery') describes the pagan festival culture that bound communities together through shared indulgence, and from which Christian converts withdrew upon baptism. The verse has been important for understanding the social dynamics of early Christian marginalization: holiness as social disruption.
Other Translations
wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
in which they think it strange--your not running with them to the same excess of dissoluteness, speaking evil,
And they are wondering that you no longer go with them in this violent wasting of life, and are saying evil things of you:
Cross References
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, …
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and …
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken …
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your …
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in …
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good …
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely …
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand …
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; …