What do we observe about Christ’s suffering in this passage? What did Christ’s suffering achieve for us? (1 Peter 3:18)
What happened to Christ after his death? Where did he go and what did he do? (1 Peter 3:18-19)
Where are the spirits referred to in verse 19? When did Christ make proclamation to them? Why? (1 Peter 3:19-20)
What historical event from the Old Testament does Peter link to explain about judgement, baptism and salvation? (1 Peter 3:20-21)
According to V:22, where is Christ now? And who have been subjected to him? (1 Peter 3:22)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
How does the transition from suffering for doing good (v. 17) to Christ's suffering once for sins (v. 18) change the perspective on a believer's own trials? (1 Peter 3:17-18)
How does Christ’s “once for all” suffering contrast with the repetitive nature of the sacrifices for sin in the Old Testament? (1 Peter 3:18 Ref: Hebrews 7:27, 9:26-28)
What is the significance of the phrase "the righteous for the unrighteous"? What do we learn about the substitutionary atonement of Christ in this passage (V:18)? (1 Peter 3:18 Ref: Hebrews 7:26, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
What does it mean that Jesus was made alive in the spirit (V:19)? What spirits are being referred to in verse 19? What does it mean that Jesus "proclaimed" to them? (1 Peter 3:18-19 Ref: 1 Peter 4:6, Colossians 2:14-15)
How does Peter compare the water of the flood to the water of baptism? Does V: 21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? What are the similarities between the Ark during Noah's time and a believer who is in Christ? (1 Peter 3:20-21, Ref: Genesis 6:1-8, Hebrews 11:7)
In V:22, what does Christ’s current location and the submission of "angels, authorities, and powers" teach us about the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin & death? (1 Peter 3:22, Ref: Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-21, Philippians 2:9-11)
APPLICATION
What will I do?
How does this passage challenge or confirm our understanding about suffering, the nature of Christ and the nature of man?
How does the fact that Christ suffered "once for sins" help us when we feel we are being treated unfairly? How does this passage call us to change the way we live?
Christ suffered for the unrighteous to bring us to God. Why is it important to consider and remind ourselves of the gospel message outlined in this passage?
Thank God for the gift of salvation and the suffering of Christ on our behalf.
Pray in light of what has been discussed today for people who may be suffering.
