Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
18 “Christ also suffered when He died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners that He might bring us safely home to GOD. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. 19 So He went and preached to the spirits in prison – 20 those who disobeyed GOD long ago when GOD waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And this is a picture of baptism, which now saves you by the power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Baptism is not a removal of dirt from your body; it is an appeal to GOD from a clean conscience.” ~ 1 Peter 3:21
The meaning of preaching “to the spirits in prison” is not completely clear, and commentators have explained it in different ways. The traditional interpretation is that Christ, between His death and resurrection, announced salvation to GOD’s faithful followers who had been waiting for their salvation during the whole Old Testament era. Matthew records this about the day Jesus died: – 50 “Then Jesus shouted out again, and He gave up His spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many GODly men and women who had died were raised from the dead 53 after Jesus’ resurrection. They left the cemetery, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.” – Matthew 27:50-53 – A few commentators think that this passage says that Christ’s Spirit was in Noah as Noah preached to those imprisoned by sin (but now in hell). Still others hold that Christ went to Hades to proclaim His victory and final condemnation to the fallen angels imprisoned there since Noah’s day. – “For GOD did not spare even the angels when they sinned; HE threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day.” – 2 Peter 2:4 – In any case, the passage shows that Christ’s Good News of salvation and victory is not limited. It has been preached in the past as well as in the present; it has gone to the dead as well as to the living. GOD has given everyone the opportunity to come to HIM, but this does not imply a second chance for those who reject Christ in this life.
Peter tells us that Noah’s salvation from the Flood symbolized baptism, a ceremony involving water. In baptism we identify with Jesus Christ, who separates us from the lost and gives us new life. It is not the ceremony that saves us but faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Baptism is a symbol of the transformation that happens in the hearts of those who believe. – 3 “Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with Him? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised as He was.” – Romans 6:3-5 – “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like Him.” – Galatians 3:27 – “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of GOD, who raised Christ from the dead.” – Colossians 2:12 – Baptism parallels the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and it also portrays the death and burial of our sinful old way of life followed by resurrection to new life in Christ. Remembering that our old sinful life is dead and buried with Christ gives us a powerful motive to resist sin. Not wanting to the desires of our past to come back to power again, we can consciously choose to treat our desires as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Christ. By identifying themselves with Christ through baptism, Peter’s readers could resist turning back, even under pressure of persecution. Public baptism would keep them from the temptation to renounce their faith.
“Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to GOD, and all the angels and authorities and powers are bowing before Him.” – 1 Peter 3:22 – HALLELUJAH – Praise GOD and Thank You Jesus!!
Thank YOU, Father GOD for YOUR Son – Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus for coming to this earth, so perfect and pure and holy, and taking on our sins and ultimately dying for us. Lord Jesus, we want to be identified with You separated from the lost and given new life. Our old sinful life is dead and buried and now because of Your sacrifice, we are free to live a wonderful new life with You. Hallelujah!
Photo: Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
