1 Peter 3:18 
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 

Application: 

In this fallen world, all people suffer. But it is better to suffer for doing good—if God wills it—than for doing evil (3:17; see 2:19–20). Again, Peter reminds them (see 2:21–25) that Christ is their ultimate example of godly suffering. He suffered for sins—your sins and mine—to bring us to God (3:18). He visited the devil and his followers in the spiritual realm and proclaimed his victory over them (3:19). Then he was raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers under his authority (3:22). And if you know Christ, you were raised with him (see Eph 2:6). So, your current suffering doesn’t compare to the victory you have—and will have—through Christ.

Jesus spiritually communicated through Noah, offering salvation to humanity as he built the ark, but only Noah and his family responded (3:20). The ark represented salvation and deliverance from judgment. Similarly, the believers Peter was writing to would be brought to safety through God’s judgment by being united with Christ, the New Testament ark of safety. Deliverance does not come through water baptism but by testifying of entering the ark of safety (i.e., Jesus Christ), which is the basis of spiritual baptism (3:21; see Rom 6:1–7). Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, where all authorities, both human and divine, are subject to his control.

Therefore, believers should have the same attitude toward suffering as Christ did. We are to spend the rest of our days following God’s will, not indulging in human desires (4:1–2). Peter describes the kinds of ungodly behaviors that unrestrained humanity craves (4:3). Not only do unbelievers engage in these actions, but they also slander Christians because they do not participate in such reckless living with them (4:4). However, they don’t realize they will have to answer one day to the one who will judge the living and the dead (4:5). Which is worse — being slandered by the ungodly or being judged by God?

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1356–1357.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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