Life.101 (Part 8)

A Life of Victory
1 Peter 3:13-22

THE BIG IDEA: It’s worth following Jesus—even if it brings mistreatment—because, in the end, there will be victory.

The One we follow:

1. He is the One who suffered unjustly (v. 18a)

Peter says that the reason Christ suffered was “to bring [us] to God.” Jesus died in order that He might reach across the gulf between God and humanity and, taking our hands, lead across the territory of the enemy into the presence of the Father.

2. He is the One who rose from the grave (v. 18b)

3. He is the One who ascended into heaven (v. 22a)

4. He is the One who is at God’s right hand (v. 22b)

5. He is the One who is above all (v. 22c)

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (vv. 13-14a). The words “suffer” and “blessed” don’t seem to go together. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Jesus suffered unjustly but later vindicated (through His resurrection, ascension, and reign). The crucifixion was not the final word. So too believers who suffer unjustly—who are ridiculed, mistreated, or even killed—will one day be vindicated in the presence of God. The world’s opinion is never the final word. We follow in Christ’s footsteps through death to victory.

“‘Do not fear what they fear [or, do not fear their threats]; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord” (vv. 14b-15a). In other words, don’t fear man; obey Christ. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after than can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:4-5).

In verses 14-15, Peter quotes Isaiah 8:12-13: “Do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy.” In verse 15, Peter says, “Set apart Christ as Lord.” This reveals that Peter believes Jesus is “the Lord almighty.”

Verse 17 says that sometimes God wills that we suffer (“if it is God’s will”). It’s not the God wants us to suffer, but that He wants us to do what is right, even if and when it results in suffering.

What do verses 19-20 mean? Where did Christ go? Who were the “spirits in prison”? What did He say to them? We need to see these verses in light of the context: the overall theme of victory and vindication. Three main views:

1. The preexistent Christ view

a. “Spirits” = the contemporaries of Noah who needed to hear the word of God

b. “Prison” = a metaphor for sin and ignorance OR a literal description of their location now

c. “He went” = Jesus spoke to that generation through Noah

d. “Preached” = a genuine presentation of the gospel of salvation to the contemporaries of Noah

2. The descent-into-hell view

The Apostle’s Creed: “[Jesus Christ] suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”

a. “Spirits” = the fall angels of Genesis 6:1-4 OR the spirits of those who died prior to the Flood

b. “Prison” = the underworld

c. “He went” = a descent into the underworld (during the time between Christ’s death and resurrection)

d. “Preached” = a proclamation of victory over the spirit world OR a genuine offer of salvation to those who never had an opportunity to hear the gospel

Wouldn’t it have been a bit premature for Christ to make His proclamation of victory before the resurrection?

3. The triumphal proclamation view (my preferred view)

a. “Spirits” = the fallen angels of Genesis 6:1-4 (the “Watchers” of 1 Enoch)

“When we look at the use of the term spirit in the New Testament, we notice that it is almost never used of dead people. When it is used of dead people, it is always qualified in some way to make it clear that it is people who are being written about (for example, Heb 12:23). Normally dead human beings are referred to as ‘souls.’ Since there is nothing in this passage to make it clear that it is human beings who are being written about, it is unlikely that these are dead people.”—Hard Sayings of the Bible, p. 715

b. “Prison” = the place of binding or restraint (see 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6)

c. “He went” = the ascension of Jesus

The Greek word for “went” does not mean “descend.” It simply means “to go.”

Jesus was “put to death” (the crucifixion); He was “made alive” (the resurrection), and He “went” (the ascension).

d. “Preached” = His proclamation of victory

In the NT the Greek word for “preached” normally refers to the proclamation of the gospel, but it does on a few occasions retain its secular meaning of “proclaim” or “announce” (Luke 12:3; Romans 2:21; Revelation 5:2). Also, while Peter clearly refers to the proclamation of the gospel four times, he never uses this word to do so (1:12, 25; 4:6, 17). (The Bible never speaks of evangelism to spirits, and I don’t believe the Bible teaches a second chance for salvation after death.)

Noah is a picture of present-day believers:

1. Noah and his family were a minority surrounded by unbelievers; so are we.

2. Noah lived righteously in the midst of a wicked world (Genesis 6:9, 22; 7:5; 2 Peter 2:5); we are expected to do the same (vv. 13-14, 16-17).

3. Noah witnessed boldly to those around him by believing God and building the ark; we are expected to be prepared to witness (“give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,” v. 15b). I’m sure Noah was asked many times why he was building a boat. (Genesis 2:5 reveals that it didn’t rain in the beginning. There probably was no rain until the Flood.) If people see that you are filled with hope—even in the midst of difficulty—you also will have opportunities to witness. Notice that we should respond “with gentleness and respect” (v. 15c). If offense is to be taken, it should be over the content of the gospel, not because the message was offered in an offensive way.

4. Noah realized that judgment was coming upon the world; we also realize that judgment is coming, perhaps soon (1 Peter 4:5, 7; Luke 17:26-27).

5. At the time of Noah, God waited patiently for repentance from unbelievers before He brought judgment; God is doing the same in our time (2 Peter 3:3-9).

6. Noah was saved from the flood; we are ensured ultimate salvation because of Christ’s resurrection and triumph (vv. 18, 21-22).

Does baptism save (“baptism that now saves you also”)?

a. The water does not save (“not the removal of dirt from the body”).

b. There was no such thing as an “unbaptized believer” in Peter’s day. This approach to baptism allows Peter to say things about baptism that we would not want to say.

c. We are not saved through the water of baptism but through the “pledge” of faith (“but the pledge [or, response] of a good conscience toward God”). During baptism, a person is asked a question, such as, “Do you commit yourself to follow Christ?” Answering, “Yes,” is a “pledge.” Peter says that our answer must be given from “a good conscience toward God.” A half-hearted or partial commitment does not save.

d. Our faith is not in baptism but in the power of Christ’s death and resurrection (“It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”).