Jesus Teaches

1 Peter 3:18b-20 Jesus was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
 
WHEN did Jesus preach to the spirits in prison? Who were they? Where were they? One way to understand this is to begin with Peter’s audience. They are new believers. One of the greatest controversies surrounding Jesus then was that Jesus is the eternal Son of God. This new doctrine had to be repeatedly taught because there were (and are) many false teachings regarding Jesus. It seems that Peter referred to Noah and the ancient days of the Flood to help the new believers know who Jesus is, and who was, and who is to come. (Revelation 1:2)
   Jesus is alive through the Spirit now, and he was alive in Noah’s day. Through God’s righteous prophet,  Noah, Jesus preached to those who are now in prison – in Hell. They are there because they did not listen to Noah as he preached the Living Word for 120 years as he built the ark. So they perished.
   Peter also refers to Noah, a preacher of righteousness in 2 Peter 2:5b. And in 1 Peter 1:10-11 Peter teaches that Jesus spoke through the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you…to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing.
   These passages connecting Jesus to the prophets points to two things: Jesus preached salvation to believers. Jesus preached judgment to unbelievers. Peter seems to be saying, “Pay attention to who Jesus is. He is alive. He is eternal. He is Savior. He is justice. He is truth. If you do not listen to his preaching, you, too, will be in prison without reprieve. No one can release you from Jesus’ judgment. Noah’s family believed, and they were saved.”
   The Flood water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. Baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body. Baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God. Your baptism is your public confession that you hear and believe Jesus’ preaching.
   Your confession saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You believe Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (Scripture is from 1 Peter 3:20-22)
   Jesus is the Victor. He has come to speak his salvation to mankind. He now awaits the day of his return to preach once more: The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
   Listen to Jesus. He is life eternal Word.