As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold of grace of God.

Background

* Who is the author? Peter (1 Peter 1:1, Luke 5:1-11)

* Where is the audience? Christians dispersed in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1), an area north of the Taurus Mountains in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

* Context: Living for God’s glory 1 Peter 4:1-11.

* Theme? Those who persevere in faith while suffering persecution should be full of hope, for they will certainly enjoy end-time salvation since they are already enjoying God’s saving promises here and now through the death and resurrection of Christ.

Key words

• Gift (charisma) from charizomai; a (divine) gratuity, or an endowment.
• Stewards (oikonomos); a house distributor (that is manager) or overseer that is an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the gospel).
• Grace (charitos) from chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.
• Manifold (poikilos); various, diverse.

Cross References

Romans 12:6-8, We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;

1 Corinthians 12:4, Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 4:1, So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:7, For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Luke 19:13, And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come

Luke 12:42, And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Truth

All believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God. And no one receives these gifts, spiritual or temporal, as his own; he is but a “steward,” and when he offers them to the Church it is not as a benefactor, but as a servant, “ministering.”

Application

Gifts of grace, whatever they may be, are talents entrusted to individual Christians for the good of the whole Church; those who have them must use them to minister to the wants of others as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Are you ministering your God’s given gift/s to others? If not, repent this sin. Be a good steward of the manifold grace of God today.