The expression ἐπίλοιπον appears once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 4:2. Peter exhorts believers who have “suffered in the flesh” to employ “his remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2). Written to scattered and persecuted saints, the letter positions the “remaining time” as the short interval between conversion and the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing purposeful, holy living under pressure.

Theological Emphasis: Life Reoriented Toward God

By speaking of the “remaining” span, Peter draws a decisive line between a believer’s past—dominated by “debauchery, lust, drunkenness” (1 Peter 4:3)—and the present, which must now be governed by the will of God. Salvation is therefore portrayed not merely as forgiveness but as a radical reorientation of life‐purpose. Every future moment is claimed for divine purposes, echoing Paul’s call to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

Connection to the Motif of Time Stewardship

Scripture consistently treats time as a stewardship granted by God:
• “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
• “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

Within this canonical backdrop, ἐπίλοιπον underscores urgency. Believers are to invest whatever time remains, however brief, in that which aligns with eternity.

Links to Suffering and Holiness in Petrine Theology

1 Peter repeatedly couples suffering with sanctification (1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 3:14-17). The singular use of ἐπίλοιπον occurs in a paragraph that begins, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same resolve” (1 Peter 4:1). Suffering sharpens priorities, clarifying what is worth the rest of one’s life. Holiness emerges not as ascetic withdrawal but as active conformity to God’s will amid trials.

Relationship with Pauline Teaching

Paul likewise views converted life as a limited remainder:
• “The time is short. From now on… those who use the world [should live] as if not engrossed in it” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31).
• “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

Peter’s single vocabulary choice harmonizes with Paul’s repeated exhortations, reinforcing the New Testament’s unified call to purposeful living.

Old Testament Echoes

Ecclesiastes laments fleeting days “under the sun,” yet counsels to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Psalmists pray, “Teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:12). Peter, steeped in these Scriptures, applies their wisdom eschatologically: because Messiah has come, numbering our remaining days must yield obedience to His will.

Eschatological Outlook

Immediately after 1 Peter 4:2, the apostle reminds readers that “the end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). The “remaining time” is not an indefinite extension but a countdown to Christ’s revelation (1 Peter 1:13). Thus, daily decisions are weighted with eternal significance.

Pastoral and Ministry Significance

1. Encouragement under persecution: Believers facing hostility can interpret hardships as opportunities to glorify God during a finite window of earthly life.
2. Discipleship framing: Teachers can present conversion as a transfer of ownership over remaining time.
3. Evangelistic urgency: Since the span is limited, the church must proclaim the gospel while it is still “today” (Hebrews 3:13).

Practical Discipleship Applications

• Personal assessment: Ask, “Does this choice advance the will of God for the remainder of my life?”
• Corporate priorities: Congregations should allocate resources toward ministries that outlast temporal comforts.
• Suffering perspective: Trials remind believers that earthly seasons are temporary and purposeful.

Summary

The lone New Testament appearance of ἐπίλοιπον crystallizes a major biblical theme: redeemed people are trustees of a brief, precious remainder of earthly life. In view of Christ’s sufferings, resurrection, and imminent return, that remaining time must be invested wholly in the will of God, for His glory and the good of a watching world.