Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 48
1 Peter 3: 13-17 Suffering for the Good
Scripture 1 Peter 3:18-22 NIV 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Crumbs Peter is teaching his readers how to face suffering and he points to the Lord Jesus Christ, Instead of detailing these he simply says “ also suffered “ and then goes into the ministry of Christ after His death. He looks beyond the suffering and so must we.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit comes to the fore as it does in the life of the church. Is there a clue to our understanding verse 19 in verse 22? Did His proclamation lead to the submission of the occupants of the world of the Spirit?
In our world God waited while a man built a boat. Our actions are of deep significance to God and His approach is one of patience. The is part of the complexity which is divine grace.
This brings Peter to baptism and the resurrection. As Christ emerged from the grave so we emerge from the waters of baptism to new life. But the mere religious rite will not do. Heart work must be done. We must submit like the angels, authorities and powers. Then baptism means something.
Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. How does the thought of Christ’s death and resurrection help us in our current woes ? 2. What the significance of our baptism ? 3. What does verse 22 teach of the significance of Christ ?
Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com
