Question

I'm curious as to the understanding of others of the new testament passage in 1 Peter 3: 18-22

Answer 1

Here' the passage if you want to read it.

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Answer 2

Two main things pop:
1. Christ suffered greatly.
2. Christ was rewarded greatly.

It would probably be of interest in understanding whether great suffering brings great reward, in which cases reminds me of the whole hold steadfast faith in God.

Answer 3

Yeah, definitely agree. I find verse 19 very intriguing where it talks about Christ preaching to the spirits in prison. What do you think about that?

Answer 4

Not sure, I assume it probably relates to the common moral teaching, if you face tough challenges do not falter your values. (Verse 20 gives me that contextual hint, but I have no certainty, I could be wrong.)

Answer 5

Yeah, I agree. I think it provides further evidence of a life after death and a time between death and final judgement. The religion that I am involved with teaches of a spirit world made up of a spirit paradise and a spirit prison which is a temporary period between death and Resurrection. It coincides nicely with this particular passage, but I was interested to hear of any other interpretations.

Answer 6

Remember, there was no place for us in heaven until Christ died and created one.
"By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;"
Speculation, but it could mean that they were in the Bosom of Abraham which was done away with, or so it would seem, after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. That's when we got direct access to heaven through faith in Jesus Christ.

Or it could just mean that he went to a prison and preached to the people with spirits. The spirit will always long for the savior so it might be saying he was preaching to the prisoners spirits, which long for him, instead of directly to them. In other words he was trying to reach their spirits and show what their longing was for.

Answer 7

You still curious about this passage? I would gladly help you! :D

Answer 8

Sure, I'm always interested to hear others understanding of scriptures.

Answer 9

I say what @Opcode said.

Answer 10

Hermeneutics is worth to do on any text in my opinion. :-)