1 Peter 3:18-22 NLT: Christ Suffered for Our Sins
Christ's Suffering and Ours
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
In this passage, Peter reminds us that Christ suffered on the cross for our sins, the righteous one for the unrighteous. This suffering was not in vain, but it was to bring us to God. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, and our relationship with Him is restored.
Christ's Victory over Satan
19 He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 20 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 21 who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
Here, Peter highlights Christ's victory over Satan and the spiritual forces of evil. Although Christ was put to death in the body, He was made alive by the Spirit. This resurrection power enabled Him to preach to the spirits in prison, a reference to the fallen angels who disobeyed God in the days of Noah. This passage reminds us that Christ's victory over Satan is complete, and His power is greater than any evil spirit.
Baptism: A Symbol of New Life
22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
In this final verse, Peter describes Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God, where He is seated with all authority and power. This verse is closely tied to baptism, which is a symbol of our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Christ was raised to new life, we too are raised to new life in Him, and our old selves are put to death. Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Christ and our commitment to follow Him.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 3:18-22 reminds us of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, His victory over Satan, and our new life in Him through baptism. May we be encouraged and empowered by the truth of God's Word, and may we live out our faith in obedience to Him.
