An Answer to a Tough Question

An Answer to a Tough Question
1 Peter 3:18-20
Introduction—A difficult passage
“A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for certainty just what Peter means.” Luther
I.The Context—Encouragement for suffering Christians
II.The Question—Is this worth it?
III.The Answer
A.Christ
B.In the Spirit
C.The Issues
Who are the spirits in prison?
What did Christ preach to them?
When did Christ preach to them?
Where did Christ preach to them?
D.The Various Interpretations
E.The Best View
1.Who
2.Where, When, & What (1:10-12; 3:18-19; 2 Pet. 2:5)
Peter is speaking of Jesus, preaching by the Spirit, through Noah during the time of the building of the ark, while God's patience was waiting…and that He preached to those people who were disobedient unbelievers then, but who now are spirits imprisoned in Hell.
Conclusion
How is this supposed to comfort us and answer our questions? (3:13-20)
1 Peter 3:16 with Hebrews 11:7
Luke 17:20ff