8 Finally - This part of the epistle reaches to 1Peter 4:11.
The apostle seems to have added the rest afterwards. Sympathizing - Rejoicing
and sorrowing together. Love all believers as brethren. Be pitiful - Toward
the afflicted. Be courteous - To all men. Courtesy is such a behaviour
toward equals and inferiors as shows respect mixed with love.
9 Ye are called to inherit a blessing - Therefore their railing cannot
hurt you; and, by blessing them, you imitate God, who blesses you.
10 For he that desireth to love life, and to see good days - That would
make life amiable and desirable. Psalm 34:12, &c.
11 Let him seek - To live peaceably with all men. And pursue it - Even
when it seems to flee from him.
12 The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous - For good. Anger appears
in the whole face; love, chiefly in the eyes.
13 Who is he that will harm you - None can.
14 But if ye should suffer - This is no harm to you, but a good. Fear
ye not their fear - The very words of the Septuagint, Isaiah 8:12,13. Let
not that fear be in you which the wicked feel.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts - Have an holy fear, and
a full trust in his wise providence. The hope - Of eternal life. With meekness
- For anger would hurt your cause as well as your soul. And fear - A filial
fear of offending God, and a jealousy over yourselves, lest ye speak amiss.
