“In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4).
Speaking to those who formerly lived to fulfill the desires of the flesh, Peter describes for new converts the attitudes of their previous companions toward their new lifestyle; thus, his reference to “these.”
The “flood of dissipation” is translated more clearly “excess of riot” in the KJV, thus, indicating the excessive sins of the flesh in which these converts participated previously. Peter has just mentioned some of these sins.
The apostle’s message is that new Christians should expect for there to be those who don’t understand the new lifestyle in Christ and who will think it strange for them to have given up such “pleasures.”
At the same time, he is implying these new Christians should not be enticed to regress—that is, to fall back into their old ways because of pressure from former companions to run with them again. They should be selective of new companions.