OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 3:18-22

 In 1 Peter 3:18-22, Peter culminates his section on the unjust suffering of believers with the example of how Christ’s suffering achieved God’s triumphant purpose. At the heart of the gospel message is how Jesus Christ died for the unrighteous. His example of suffering unjustly and through that accomplishing the glorious saving purpose of God should give believers hope and confidence for the fulfillment of God’s purpose amid our suffering (cf. Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 2:14; Phil 1:29). Peter now reminds his readers of the consequences of Jesus’s response to unjustified persecution. He also wanted to assure them of their ultimate triumph in Christ.

Bible Study Outline:

I. Christ – Our Perfect Sacrifice (1 Peter 3:18)

A. “For” connects this section of verses 18-22 with what precedes (vv. 13-17). Verse 18 explains precisely what Christ did when he died. It is the clearest of passages that explain why Christ died and what the death of Christ does for man.

B. Christ suffered once for sins. Christ became the sin offering for mankind, therefore, removing the eternal guilt and condemnation of sin for those who believe in Him.

C. Christ died vicariously. He was the just One dying for the unjust.

D. Christ died to bring us to God. Our sin separates and alienates us from God. Because of Christ's works, we are acceptable to God only in Christ.

II. Christ – Our Perfect Victor (1 Peter 3:18-22)

A. Christ’s triumph is evident in four key facts.

1. Jesus Christ was “made alive in the spirit” (v. 18).
2. Jesus Christ victoriously proclaimed His triumph (vv. 19-20).
3. Jesus Christ saves the believer through baptism: not the baptism by water, but the baptism of a good conscience wrought by the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (v. 21).
4. Jesus Christ saves the believer from all angels, authorities, and powers (v. 22).

B. Jesus Christ’s ultimate victory, despite temporary persecution, should encourage any suffering disciple of Christ. Verse 18 describes the saving work of Christ. Verses 19-20 refer to His ministry of proclamation to those destined for judgment, which ministry we in our day must continue faithfully, like Noah did in his day. Verse 21 stresses the importance of confessing Christ publicly in baptism by reminding us of what baptism does and what it does not do. Verse 22 reminds us of our ultimate vindication and destiny.

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ became the Victor over death rather than a victim of death. All who trust Him share in that victory (cf. vv. 13-17). Salvation comes, not by water baptism, but by faith in Jesus Christ whose “resurrection” and ascension (“who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven”) testify to God’s acceptance of, and satisfaction with, His sacrifice (1 John 2:2). In 1 Peter 3:18-22, Peter showed that, as a result of Jesus’s sufferings, we can be sure of ultimate triumph, and this gives us hope and confidence as we suffer.As Peter concludes this section, he echoes a principle stated in 1 Peter 2:20. Although Christians may encounter persecution, suffering, or unfair treatment, we must remember that God’s plan and purpose work things out for our good and His glory. Our testimony before an unbelieving world is an opportunity to let the light of Christ shine through us.