3. Peter’s Hard Saying
1 Peter 3:18-22

4. Attempted Explanations
Hadean ministry of Christ
Preexistent ministry of Christ
The “Limbo” ministry of Christ
The ministry to fallen angels

5. A Possible Explanation
The resurrected Christ, when He ascended to heaven, proclaimed to imprisoned spirits His victory over death (cf. Eph. 6:12; Col. 2:15)

6. Reasons: The preaching was by Jesus (not Noah)
It was AFTER “being put to death in the flesh”
It was AFTER He was “made alive by the spirit”
His preaching was to “the spirits”
Not “spirits of men” (Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9; 20:4)
To “angelic spirits” (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6)
The preaching was to those were “disobedient … in the days of Noah”
There is NO indication that this is a “second chance gospel”

7. Purpose
Peter’s point about suffering, if necessary, for doing good (1 Peter 3:17)
He appeals to the example of Jesus (1 Peter 3:18a)
His suffering, death, resurrection, victory, ascension are all marks of victory (1 Peter 3:18b- 22)
His triumph over suffering should be a guide (1 Peter 4:1)