INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Christ Preached: Through Righteous Noah
2. Christ Preached: To the Disobedient
3. Christ Preached: To the Spirits in Prison
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Christ's Preaching: to spirits in prison.” This theme has encouraged many arguments that will require great discussion and analysis on how, when and why Christ preached to the souls in prison during the 120 years, leading up to the flood that destroyed all flesh; saving Noah and his house.
2. First, we will consider how Christ preached to the “spirits in prison.” He did such through Noah, called a “preacher of righteousness” by Peter in his second Letter to the dispersed Jews, 2 Peter 2:5. The text outlines that: “The Spirit of Christ” was then in Noah; guiding him in preaching repentance and obedience to the will of God; unto a rebellious and disobedient people. All this occurred while the “longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” 1 Peter 3:19-20. Noah preached of the pending flood that would engulf the entire world. Yet they heard not the “warning of God.” First to repent, and then “go into the ark” once God’s judgment had begun upon the world: that is “the time of the flood.”
3. Second, we will discuss when Christ preached unto these “spirits in prison.” This was during the time: “When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing,” 1 Peter 3:20. By these two things: 1) the longsuffering of God waited, and 2) the ark was a preparing; we will be able to determine when this preaching occurred. It was then that the Spirit of Christ preached unto the “spirits in prison.” Some have alleged it was during the transition of Christ (the time immediately after His death on the cross, until His resurrection from the dead). This position advances Christ’s preaching was to the disembodied spirits of the disobedient now imprisoned in the Hadean world. However, there appears to be no scriptures that affirm or support this theory. We will note some of them as we proceed in this lesson.
4. Lastly, we will investigate why Christ preached “unto the spirits in prison.” It is important that we clarify this phrase: “spirits in prison”; before we can properly understand why this preaching occurred. The Papacy’s view is, that it was to grant these disembodied spirits opportunity to repent and be saved; from their rebellion and disobedience, during the time of the flood. They call this place of torment: “Purgatory.” This is the time between ones death and the resurrection; that they might be afforded the grace of God. They teach: “Christ went into purgatory and preached to these imprisoned spirits.” We will consider their references in the scripture for such teaching or doctrine. If one dies out of Christ; he or she will rise out of Christ. The “spirits in prison” in our text; were those who acted in (rebellion and disobedience), at the time of the preaching of Noah. This preaching occurred during the same period leading up to and during the time of the flood; and not to any spirits, now bound in hell. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I CHRIST PREACHED: THROUGH NOAH
A. Peter begins his discourse regarding the suffering of the saint. He encourages the saints to understand as Christ once suffered unjustly; we too will be called upon to suffer wrongfully. He wrote:
1. First, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: And be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear,” 1 Peter 3:15.
2. Further, “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as an evil doer, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ,” 1 Peter 3:16.
3. Next, “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing,” 1 Peter 3:17.
4. Finally, “Christ’s suffered once 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,” 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. Consider:
a. Peter affirms, that although Christ was put to death in the flesh; he will ultimately quicken and resurrected from the dead by the Spirit of God.
b. As Christian, we must also understand that our suffering for Christ, for well doing will yield its rewards also for us. We are promised to be raised by the same “quickening power” of the Holy Spirit on the “last day” or “the end” when the Lord Jesus shall return to claim His saint, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.
c. All the saints shall be raised; and then rise to meet the Lord in the air: “And so shall we ever be with the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
5. Conclusion: This now brings us to the theme of this lesson: “Christ’s preaching: to the spirits in prison.” Verse 19 of our text has been the cause of much confusion to many regarding Peter’s declaration of Christ’s “preaching to the spirits in prison.”
B. Christ’s preaching: Peter wrote: “By which also he (Christ) went and preached unto the spirits in prison,” 1 Peter 3:18-19. That is, “by the Spirit He went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” It must be understood; that whenever the preaching took place; it was then that these “spirits were in prison.” Notice:
1. First, Christ did such through Noah. The Spirit of God was preaching to these spirits in prison; through Noah; who was called a “preacher of righteousness” by Peter in his second Letter to the dispersed Jews, 2 Peter 2:5; Genesis 7:1.
2. Further, Noah preached of a pending flood that would engulf the entire world unto the people during his construction of the ark (lasting 120 years).
3. Finally, none of these rebellious and disobedient people; took heed of the preaching of Noah regarding the “warning of God.” They did neither:
a. First, to repent “of their rebellion and disobedience to God.”
b. Second, to enter “into the ark” once God’s judgment began.
c. Finally, to be “saved from the terrible flood upon the earth.”
d. Conclusion: These were not like Noah and his house that went into the ark for safety, during the time of the flood. Noah’s “favor and obedience before God; allowed Him to save him and his entire house,” Genesis 6:8; Genesis 7:1.
C. God spared not the old world: “God... spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly,” 2 Peter 2:5. But God saved Noah and his house. Notice:
1. First, Peter states this preaching to the old world was done by Noah, the eighth person saved during the flood.
2. Further, Noah was a preacher of righteousness. The text outlines that: “The Spirit of Christ” was directing him to preach repentance and obedience to God; unto a rebellious and disobedient people, while the “longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” 1 Peter 3:19-20.
3. Finally, Noah preached repentance and obedience to these “spirits in prison” for 120 years, during his work to prepare an ark for the salvation of his house. This was during the time the world was ungodly, Genesis 6:5-7.
D. God waited in the days of Noah. God’s patience and longsuffering waited in the days of Noah until the ark was completed. Once prepared; salvation was possible for all that “by faith would enter into the ark.” Notice:
a. First, “And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him,” Genesis 7:5. Illustrate: Dimension of the ark, Genesis 6:14-16.
b. Second, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared and ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” Hebrews 11:7.
c. Third, “And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood,” Genesis 7:7.
d. Four, “God waited... while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water,” 1 Peter 3:20. He we again approach another phrase of discussion: “that is eight souls were saved by water.” Now I desire that you listen closely at what I’m about to say! Hear me. Peter said: “in the ark, eight souls were saved by water.” He proceeds in stating also: “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,” 1 Peter 3:20-21.
E. The ark is a type of baptism. Peter affirms in these verses; Noah and his house were saved by the ark passing “through the waters.” Notice:
1. The word by in Gr. is “diá” dee-ah'; which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; (through:—after, because of (that), by, or as a result of a (cause)).
2. The ark was “preserved safely through” the water; until it came to rest in the Mountains of Ararat, Genesis 8:4. The idea here is that the same water which drowned the unbelieving, buoyed up the ark in which the eight were saved.
a. Some have suggested that the ark and its occupants "were brought safe through the water."
b. However, the preposition “by” may present a better meaning as "they were safely preserved through the water," although having to “be in the water,” Genesis 7:17-18.
3. The waters were below; around and over the ark during its deluge upon the earth; and, from the heavens above. The ark was immersed in the waters that bore it to safety through the destruction of the old world, Genesis 7:17-18.
4. Peter suggests that: “Baptism is a like figure of the ark, and through our burial in it, baptism NOW saves us. Like the ark saved Noah and his family; baptism NOW saves US in a similar fashion. It’s getting quite up in here! Beloved:
a. Please note; the text does not say: “water saves us”; but, that “baptism doth also now save us,” 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
b. It is in baptism we are immersed; our sins forgiven; and we are risen to a new life, Romans 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-10. Just as Noah and his house, once they came forth from the ark; into a new creation.
c. Baptism is “an answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Let it be clear.
d. Baptism is the “act of faith” that NOW saves us. The water is the element in which this “act of faith” is performed. I wish I had a witness! Now let’s notice our next point.
II CHRIST PREACHED: TO THE DISOBEDIENT
A. Christ preached to the disobedient. The text outlines that: “The Spirit of Christ” was in Noah directing him to preach repentance and obedience to the will of God; unto a rebellious and disobedient people, while the “longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” 1 Peter 3:19-20. This we have already considered.
B. Noah preached unto a disobedient people. Peter moves from his example of Christ to that of the old work; and now sets before his readers, the Jews of their current rebellion and disobedience to Christ. If the sentence of perishing in the flood was the old world’s fate; what shall be the fate of those that reject Christ now? Surely, it must bear more punishment than those of the old world, Hebrews 2:1-4. Notice:
1. First, they, “which sometime were disobedient.” Noah’s preaching was during the time; that man’s heart was continually evil. This was a degenerated people.
2. Second, of Israel Paul wrote: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith: ‘Lord, who hath believed our report?’ So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God... But I say: did not Israel know?”
a. Moses saith, “I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”
b. Esaias is very bold, and saith, “I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,” Romans 10:16-21.
3. Third, now, I’m not sure that you can see a correlation of that time; to our time, where every imagination of the heart of men today is continually evil. What has become of America? In the “age of Trump” this nation has “sunk to a new low,” it has become more dishonest, wicked, untruthful and disgraceful than ever before. It has brought shame and reproach on the “Flag I so respectfully honored and served.” Recently, to illustrate its deplorable behavior:
a. First, an abused woman testified before the congress of a sexual assault. The all- male Republican body; could not even question her because of their hypocrisy. Later, Republican men and women at a Donald Trump rally; all laughed at the mistreatment she received from her assailant, and of her testimony before the Congress. The President’s behavior brings disgrace to the office he now holds.
b. Further, a nominee to the Supreme Court was accused of sexual assault and lying before the Congress. What did the congress do? With the agreement of the White House, faked a new investigation of his background; stifled the hands of the FBI, and refuse to receive testimony from many witnesses that could have attested to his true character and fitness for the office, as a Supreme Court Justice.
c. Finally, the congress (Republican House and Senate) voted along Party lines for this individual to be appointed to the Supreme Court; knowing he is and was unfit for the office. Why, a government that is dysfunctional and no longer in tune with those that placed them in office.
4. Conclusion: America is in need of another, “Great Awakening.” She has lost her way; and those we have elected to serve us; no longer listen too or care about the “will of the people.”
a. They have sold out to big business, large banks, billionaires and millionaires. Watch out ruling class of America: “God’s judgment is coming.”
b. Neither ones position nor money; will be able to save them, from this divine judgment. Only through true repentance; and one turning again to God, can avert them from His punishment! Notice James on this point: James 5:1-9.
c. Solomon wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34. America has become debase and degeneration nation.
C. The long-suffering of God. Noah preached when God was being long-suffering, waiting in the days of Noah. This was during the time “When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing,” 1 Peter 3:20.
D. While the ark was a preparing. This theme has encouraged many arguments that will require great discussion and analysis on how, when and why Christ preached to the spirits in prison during 120 years leading up to the flood that destroyed all flesh; but, saving Noah and his house.
E. Wherein few that is, eight souls were saved by water. Noah’s salvation in the ark was a prefigured of salvation that is promised in the church through baptism. The temporal salvation in the ark was a type; the antitype whereunto is the eternal salvation of believers through Christ and baptism. Notice:
1. First, the text declares that by the means of baptism; not the outward ceremony of washing with water, which, in itself, does no more than put away the filth of the flesh. But it is in baptism repentant believers are granted an “answer of good conscience towards God,” 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19. The baptismal covenant, made NOW through faith and confession; will certainly NOW save us. And if kept through faithfulness; will secure for us “the promise of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 2:10.
2. Further, the apostle declares it was through baptism salvation was obtained, not upon its merits; but, by the resurrection of Christ. Which is a “type of His death,” and is the basis of our faith and hope; through which we are made conformable to Christ: by dying to sin, and being raised again to holiness and a newness of life in Christ, Romans 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10.
3. Finally, the act of baptism then; if rightly received is:
a. The promise and pledge of our salvation NOW.
b. The answer of a “good conscience toward God,” 1 Peter 3:21.
c. The means whereby we receive the “forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
d. The manner by which we “wash away our sins,” Acts 22:16.
e. The hope of eternal life and entrance into the “heavenly kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 1:3-11. Let’s consider now our last point.
III CHRIST PREACHED: TO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON
A. The idea of “spirits in prison” is that they were in captivity to their sin of (rebellion and disobedience) unto God. The word “prison” here is not the Hadean world. The Haden world is described in the scripture as “paradise or hell. Notice:
1. "Paradise" and "Abraham's bosom," is the abode of good spirits in Old Testament times, are there was a wide gulf separating it from hell, a place of torment, Luke 16:19-31; Luke 12:5.
a. It was to “paradise” the “spirits” of Jesus and the thief’s were committed unto it after their death, Luke 23:39-46.
b. Paradise is also described as the "third heaven," 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. Paul suggested what was seen there; was not to be spoken of at any time.
2. The fallen angels. Peter wrote of the fallen angels who were being kept "in chains of darkness," unto the time of their judgment, 1 Peter 2:4. Isaiah wrote:
a. “Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure, and their glory, and their multitudes, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it,” Isaiah 5:14. Hell is making room for those who can’t wait to get there!
b. “Hell from beneath is excited about you, to meet you at your coming; It stirs up the dead for you, All the chief ones of the earth; It has raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations,” Isaiah 14:9. Hell is excited about your forthcoming visit.
c. Surely, our Lord’s “spirit” did not descend into this pit; into this abyss. But rather, “His spirit was commend into the hands of the Father,” Luke 23:46; John 19:30.
3. The prison mentioned in 1 Peter 3:18, has a connection to the time and place of the flood, when "the windows from on high were opened," Genesis 7:11-12.
a. Peter establishes that the only escape for these “spirits in prison” was through faith and obedience, and their entrance into the ark; like Noah and his entire house.
b. These rebellious and disobedient people’s “spirits were in prison”; until their bodies drowned and “spirit” disembodied as a result of the flooding waters, which engulfed the entire old world.
c. Therefore, they were “in prison” at the time of Noah’s work; and God’s waiting, “while the ark was a preparing,” 1 Peter 3:20-21; 2 Peter 2:5. I wish I had some help!
B. Christ’s body was quickened. Peter wrote: "Christ was justified and quickened by the Spirit, (this having to do with His resurrection), 1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 8:11. This quickening was to His body, John 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 15:1-27. Can we be certain regarding the resurrection of Christ? Hear the arguments of Paul regarding the “resurrection of Christ.” Notice:
1. First, prophecy of scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Notice how Paul reasoned from the Old Testament Scriptures, that Jesus was the Christ; that he died for our sins; he was buried, and rose again on the third day. Christ spoke if to his disciples, Luke 24:44-49.
a. The Law of Moses.
b. The Prophets.
c. The Psalms.
2. Further, Proven sighting, 1 Corinthians 15:5-11. Paul now reasoned from eye witness testimony that Jesus was raised from the dead.
a. He was seen of Peter and the eleven, Acts 1:3.
b. He was seen of 500 hundred, most of which are still alive.
c. He was seen of Paul: “And He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time,” 1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:17-18.
d. Nothing like and eye witness, John 3:11.
3. Finally, Preaching sanctioned, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Paul now turns to the preaching of the resurrection; which was ordained and sanction of God. Hear Peter’s argument regarding the need and certainty of Christ’s resurrection.
a. Peter’s preaching on Pentecost: “Ye men of Israel hear these words... Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it... Men and brethren let me speak freely unto you of the patriarch David... Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God... Would rise up Christ to sit on his (David) throne... He (David) seeing this before spake of:
1) The resurrection of Christ;
2) That his soul was not left in hell;
3) That his body did not see corruption, Acts 13:35-39;
4) That this Jesus hath God raised up;
5) Whereof we all are witnesses,” Acts 2:22-29; Acts 2:30-36.
6) Jesus was raised to set on David throne, Acts 2:30-36; Luke 1:31-33.
7) Illustrate: Kingdom of God, Daniel 7:13-15.
b. Peter’s preaching before the temple: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole,” Acts 4:10. Illustrate: The Healing of the Lame Man.
c. Paul’s preaching to the Galatians: “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),” Galatians 1:1. The heavenly Father raised Jesus from the dead.
d. Paul’s preaching in Antioch in Pisidia: “And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen of many....who are his witnesses unto the people,” Acts 13:29-31.
C. Christ went and preached. Peter continues, now, Christ, by the same Spirit, went and preached; not “in person,” the words "by which," that is, in the Spirit, He "went" and preached to these “spirits in prison,” 1 Peter 3:19. Notice:
1. First, before our analysis of this text; consider with me two prominent positions regarding Christ’s preaching: “to spirits in prison.” The People’s New Testament Commentary, on 1 Peter, Chapter 3, page 591. B. W. Johnson wrote: “This difficult passage has been given two interpretations:”
a. First, “The more common view is that Jesus, after his suffering, during the interval before his resurrection, went without the body in a spirit form, to these antediluvians and preached to them.”
1) “If this view is correct, it only teaches that an offer of salvation was then made to these disobedient ones who had never before heard of Christ before their final judgment.”
2) “It furnishes no comfort to those that have an opportunity and reject it in this life. It only shows that one opportunity is given to all.” This is the view of the Papacy.
b. Second, “The other view is that Christ went "in Spirit" in the person of Noah and by him preached to those who were afterwards held in prison on account of their disobedience. This is the view of most prominent New Testament Commentaries.
c. B. W. Johnson concludes: “The first view seems more in harmony with the context; the second furnishes fewer theological difficulties.” Let’s consider now, our own personal analysis of Christ’s preaching: “to spirits in prison” as outlined, in 1 Peter 3:19-20.
2. Further, the “spirits in prison” in our text. These were those living in the sins of (rebellion and disobedience) at the time of Noah’s preaching. By noting this time period; we can obtain a clearer sense, when Christ’s preaching transpired (happened).
a. Some allege it was during the transition of Christ (the time immediately after His death on the cross until His resurrection from the dead). We have considered this view already above, from The People’s New Testament Commentary.
1) This position advances Christ’s preaching was to the disembodied spirits of the disobedient, then imprisoned in the Hadean world (Purgatory).
2) However, there appears to be no scriptures that affirm this theory with any certainty.
b. Some have suggested Paul’s writing in Ephesians 4:8-10; was the missing link to this theory. However, this text does not fit the context.
c. The Lord Jesus, makes mention of His decent and ascent, in John 3:12-13. He also clarifies His “descent was from the Father into the world;” and His “ascent was from the world unto Father,” John 16:28. The angels instructed the apostles the same thing at his ascension into the heaven, in Acts 1:9-11.
d. There is no hint or suggestion in this text or others: That Christ’s decent was into hell. Jesus came, “from heaven into the world” to give his life a ransom for sin, Matthew 20:28. He afterwards “left the world to return into heaven” to sit at “the right hand of God; the “Majesty on High,” 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3.
3. Next, how then did Christ preach unto these spirits in prison? He did it through Noah. Christ preached in the (person of Noah), “a preacher of righteousness,” 2 Peter 2:5. Consider:
a. Christ, therefore in the Spirit, preached through Noah, to these disobedient people, whose “spirits were in prison,” during the antediluvian period (time of the flood).
b. These were “disobedient, rebellious, unpersuadable, and unbelieving people,” as the word signifies; living during the time of Noah, when the long-suffering of God (once waited upon them for 120 years); while the ark was a preparing. Christ was in Noah, preaching unto them, granting fair warning of what was soon to come upon them.
c. Matthew Henry wrote: “And the spirits of disobedient sinners, as soon as they are out of their bodies, (were) committed to the prison of hell, where those that despised Noah's warning now are, and from whence there is no redemption,” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on 1 Peter 3:14-22, page 1224. (--) My insertion, in place of (are).
4. Next, How did God afterwards speak unto the people? That is, through the prophets.
a. Paul wrote: “God, who at sundry times and divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophet,” Hebrews 1:1-3. Some of these father were obedient; others were also disobedient.
b. Isaiah wrote, speaking of a prison: “It shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously,” Isaiah 24:21-23; Isaiah 2:2-3; Isaiah 62:1-2. Illustrate: The Mountain of the Lord’s House.
c. Sounds like Joel’s prophecy, and the events of Pentecost, Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:36-47.
d. Isaiah further wrote: “Thus saith God the LORD... I the LORD called thee in righteousness... and will give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light to the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is my name... Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them,” Isaiah 42:5-9. Consider:
1) Isaiah truly wrote of the coming Christ; His new covenant; the call of sinners from prisons and from darkness into light; and His promise to cause “old things to pass away, and all things to become new,” Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 9:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
2) Zacharias prophesied of these wonderful promises, Luke 1:67-79.
3) Christ called Paul to bear His name unto the kings, the Gentiles and the people of Israel, Acts 9:15-16.
4) Paul told King Agrippa that Christ had commissioned him to preach salvation to the people and to open the eyes of the Gentiles, Acts 26:14-19.
5) These New Testament utterances have given light unto Isaiah’s prophecy; that in message of Christ, there would be hope for those in bondage, prisons and darkness.
5. Finally, How did Jesus’ preach unto the people (spirits in prison) during His personal ministry? It was through the Holy Spirit. Notice:
a. The Master’s teaching in the synagogue in Nazareth, was unto the “spirits in prison,” during His ministry. He said to the Jewish leaders: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hat anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor... sent me to heal the broken hearted... to preach deliverance to the captives (imprisoned)…. to preach an acceptable year of the Lord,” Luke 4:18-19. He preached “deliverance to the captives in prison.”
b. Jesus teaching unto believing Jews. He said: “To those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, we be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin,” John 8:31-36; John 8:36.
6. Conclusion: The “prison,” spoken of in these passages is synonymous to captivity, darkness and bondage. It was to people in prison, darkness and bondage to sin, that Noah preached before the flood. It was God’s calling, to save them from their sins; and the coming flood, in which He would to punish the ungodly and disobedient.
a. God was calling these “spirits in prison” to “repentance and seek favor in His eyes,” to be saved like Noah. But they chose disobedience; rather than obedience unto God.
b. The Greek word used for “prison,” denotes “a place of custody, not a place of punishment,” The People’s New Testament, on 1 Peter 3:19, page 591.
c. The word “prison” in Gr. is phylak?, foo-lak-ay'; which means: a guarding or (guard), the act, the person; the place; a condition, or a time. Literally or figuratively:—cage, hold, to imprison or an imprisonment, a ward, or watch (a division of day or night).
D. Paul speaks of his own captivity. He wrote: “But I see another law in my members, waring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity (making me a prisoner - NIV) to the law of sin which is in my members,” Romans 7:23-25. Paul wrote of Christ’s coming and preaching of deliverance and salvation to both the Jews and Gentiles. Notice:
1. That "He (Christ) CAME and preached peace" by His Spirit in the apostles and ministers after His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, Ephesians 2:11-17.
a. First, Christ preached, in times of the apostles; when He came in the flesh, to announce the gospel to those “spirits in prison,” when he read from Isaiah the prophet. The Lord preached unto them by the Spirit when He said: "The Spirit of the Lord God hath sent me to proclaim the opening of the prison to them that are bound,” Isaiah 61:1. Recall our discussion of this prophecy earlier in the lesson? Luke 4:18-19.
1) He preached: deliverance to the captives. The gospel is a proclamation of liberty, like that to Israel in Egypt and in Babylon. It offers to the obedient believers; freedom from their sin and death, Romans 6:16-19; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:1-4.
2) By the merits of Christ sinners may be loosed from the bonds of guilt, and by his Spirit and grace from the bondage of corruption. Peter wrote of this assurance, in 1 Peter 3:20-21. We will consider this promise at the end of this lesson.
3) It is a deliverance from sin, to which Christ spoke of to those that believed on Him; if these Jewish believers continued to follow Christ, and be His disciple, John 8:31-32.
b. Further, Christ preached through the prophets. Peter wrote:
1) “The Spirit of Christ which was in them (the prophets) did signify, when it (the Spirit) testified beforehand the suffering of Christ, and the glory that should follow,” 1 Peter 1:11; Isaiah 53; Psalms 16:10-11; Psalms 22:1; Psalms 22:7-8, etc.
2) Holy men of God, spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:20-21.
c. Finally, we that minister today, speak by the Holy Spirit; when we proclaim the message of salvation unto those “spirits in prison” because of their sin, 1 Timothy 2:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-11; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:4-7.
E. Christ who once suffered; has risen, and has ascended into heaven. Peter concludes: “Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him,” 1 Peter 3:18-22.
1. As Christ suffered even to death by His enemies, and was afterwards quickened in virtue of His "Spirit" (or divine nature), Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:45. Peter, having mentioned the death and resurrection of Christ, proceeds to speak of his ascension, and sitting at the right hand of the Father, as a subject fit to be considered by these believers for their comfort in their suffering condition, 1 Peter 3:22.
a. If the advancement of Christ was so glorious after his deep humiliation, let not his followers despair, but expect that after these short distresses they shall be advanced to transcendent joy and glory, Hebrews 12:2; John 17:1; John 17:5; John 17:24-26.
b. For if we suffer with Him we shall also rein with Him, 2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:11-13.
2. Christ now ascended and sitting at the right hand of God; acting with full authority, after suffering and being raised from the dead, 1 Peter 3:21. Jesus Christ, after he had finished his labors and his sufferings upon earth, ascended triumphantly into heaven, Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19.
a. He has gone into heaven to receive glory and honor, John 17:5.
b. He ascended to complete His work of mediation, which could not be done on earth, and make intercession for His people, to demonstrate the fulness of his satisfaction, to take possession of heaven for His people, to prepare mansions for them, and to send down the Comforter, which was to be the first-fruits of his intercession, John 16:7.
c. He hath:
a. Secured both the keys of “death and hell,” Revelation 2:17-18.
b. Removed the fear death and its sting, Hebrews 2:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:54-56.
c. Brought life and immortality to light, 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:1-3.
3. Therefore, the same Spirit of Christ enabled Noah, amidst reproach and trials, to preach to the disobedient spirits bound in the wrath of God.
4. We can be certain that this same Spirit shall be with us as we preach to a lost and dying world; that there is hope and salvation in the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 2:10.
3. Christ now hath angels, authorities, and powers, being made subject unto Him: all power in heaven and earth, to command, to give law, issue orders, and pronounce a final sentence, is committed to Jesus, God—man, which his enemies will find to their everlasting sorrow and confusion, but his servants to their eternal joy and glory. As I began to conclude, let me summarize....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Christ Preached: Through Righteous Noah
2. Christ Preached: To the Disobedient
3. Christ Preached: To the Souls in Prison
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered how Christ preached to the “spirits in prison.” He did such through Noah, called a “preacher of righteousness” by Peter in his second Letter to the dispersed Jews, 2 Peter 2:5. The text outlined that: “The Spirit of Christ” was then in Noah; guiding him in preaching repentance and obedience to the will of God; unto a rebellious and disobedient people. All this occurred while the “longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” 1 Peter 3:19-20. Noah preached of the pending flood that would engulf the entire world. Yet they heard not the “warning of God.” First to repent, and then “go into the ark” once God’s judgment had begun upon the world: that is “the time of the flood.”
2. Second, we discussed when Christ preached unto these “spirits in prison.” This was during the time: “When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing,” 1 Peter 3:20. By these two things: 1) the longsuffering of God waited, and 2) the ark was a preparing; we determined when this preaching occurred. It was then that the Spirit of Christ preached unto the “spirits in prison” to sin and captivity. Some have alleged it was during the transition of Christ (the time immediately after His death on the cross, until His resurrection from the dead). This position advances Christ’s preaching was to the disembodied spirits of the disobedient now imprisoned in the Hadean world. However, there appeared to be no scriptures that affirmed or supported this theory. We will note some of them as we proceed in this lesson.
3. Lastly, we investigated why Christ preached “unto the spirits in prison.” It is important that we clarified the phrase: “spirits in prison”; before we could properly understand why this preaching occurred. The Papacy’s view is, that it was to grant these disembodied spirits an opportunity to repent and be saved; for their rebellion and disobedience, during the time of the flood. They call this place of torment: “Purgatory.” This was the time between ones death and the resurrection; that they might be afforded the grace of God. They taught: “Christ went into purgatory and preached to these imprisoned spirits.” We found no authority in the scripture for such teaching or doctrine. If one dies out of Christ; he or she will rise out of Christ. The “spirits in prison” in our text; were those who acted in (rebellion and disobedience), at the time of the preaching of Noah. This preaching occurred during the period leading up to and during the time of the flood; not to any spirits now bound in hell.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H. B. R. C. B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
The People’s New Testament by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, St. Louis, MI, 1891.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
Our work in this lesson, yield heavily upon these two commentaries. I thank the Christian Ethereal Library for their contribution to these great works.
