4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. 1 4:8 Above all keep 2 your love for one another fervent, 3 because love covers a multitude of sins. 4 4:9 Show hospitality 5 to one another without complaining. 4:10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another 6 as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 4:11 Whoever speaks, let it be with 7 God’s words. 8 Whoever serves, do so with the strength 9 that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong 10 the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 tn Grk “for prayers.”
2 tn The primary verb of v. 8 is a participle (“having”) but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
3 tn Or “constant.”
4 sn The statement of v. 8b, love covers a multitude of sins, is proverbial: It is quoted from Prov 10:12 (cf. Jas 5:20). It speaks of the forbearance that comes with love: Christian love is patient and forgiving toward the offenses of a fellow Christian (Matt 18:21-22; 1 Cor 13:4-7).
3 tn There is no main verb in this verse (“showing hospitality” translates the adjective φιλόξενοι [filoxenoi]), but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
4 tn Grk “serving it to one another.” The primary verb is a participle but it continues the sense of command from v. 7.
5 tn Grk “if anyone speaks – as God’s words.”
6 tn Or “oracles.”
7 tn Grk “if anyone serves – with strength…”
8 tn Grk “is/are.”