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The Spirits in Prison

The Spirits in Prison

Excerpt
The “spirits in prison” are the fallen angels of Gen. 6 who consorted with the daughters of men, “going after strange flesh” as Jude 6–7explains it. The word “prison” in 3:19 refers to the place of judgment mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4, “chains of darkness.” It was this violation of God’s order that helped bring on the Flood, which explains why Peter mentions Noah. Note too that Peter’s theme is the subjection of angels to Christ (v. 22). These fallen angels were not subject to Him, and therefore they were judged.
Between His death and resurrection, Christ visited these angels in prison and announced His victory over Satan. The word “preached” in 3:19 means “to announce” and not “to preach the Gospel.” Jesus announced their doom and His victory over all angels and authorities. It is likely that at this time Christ “led captivity captive” (Eph. 4:8), rescued godly souls dwelling in Hades (see Luke 16:19–31), and took them to heaven. There is not one hint here of anybody having a second chance to be saved after death.
Peter then ties Noah to the subject of baptism. The flood was actually a global baptism of water; the world is now being reserved for a global baptism of fire (2 Peter3:5–7). Peter does not say that baptism saves us or that water washes away sins. In fact, he makes it clear that baptism cannot put away the filth of the flesh. Submission to the Lord in baptism is an inward matter, the answer of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is a picture of death, burial, and resurrection. Christ’s baptism in water by John the Baptist was a symbol of His baptism of suffering… More
Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.

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