1 Peter 3:20
Verse
Context
Suffering for Righteousness
19in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. 21And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When once the long-suffering of God waited - In Pirkey Aboth, cap. v. 2, we have these words: "There were ten generations from Adam to Noah, that the long-suffering of God might appear; for each of these generations provoked him to anger, and went on in their iniquity, till at last the deluge came." Were saved by water - While the ark was preparing, only Noah's family believed; these amounted to eight persons; and these only were saved from the deluge δι' ὑδατος, on the water: all the rest perished in the water; though many of them, while the rains descended, and the waters daily increased, did undoubtedly humble themselves before God, call for mercy, and receive it; but as they had not repented at the preaching of Noah, and the ark was now closed, and the fountains of the great deep broken up, they lost their lives, though God might have extended mercy to their souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
once--not in the oldest manuscripts. when . . . the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah--Oldest manuscripts. Greek, "was continuing to wait on" (if haply men in the hundred twenty years of grace would repent) until the end of His waiting came in their death by the flood. This refutes ALFORD'S idea of a second day of grace having been given in Hades. Noah's days are selected, as the ark and the destroying flood answer respectively to "baptism" and the coming destruction of unbelievers by fire. while the ark was a-preparing-- (Heb 11:7). A long period of God's "long-suffering and waiting," as Noah had few to help him, which rendered the world's unbelief the more inexcusable. wherein--literally, "(by having entered) into which." eight--seven (the sacred number) with ungodly Ham. few--so now. souls--As this term is here used of living persons, why should not "spirits" also? Noah preached to their ears, but Christ in spirit, to their spirits, or spiritual natures. saved by water--The same water which drowned the unbelieving, buoyed up the ark in which the eight were saved. Not as some translate, "were brought safe through the water." However, the sense of the preposition may be as in Co1 3:15, "they were safely preserved through the water," though having to be in the water.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is gone into heaven,.... After he had been risen forty days, where he is received, and will remain, until the restitution of all things; and where he appears in the presence of God for his people, and ever lives to make intercession for them; and is entered as their forerunner, and is preparing mansions of glory for them; and will come again, and take them to himself, to be for ever with him, and from hence they expect him: and is on the right hand of God; where Stephen saw him; and which is an honour never conferred on any angel, or man; and shows that Christ had done his work, and that in a way acceptable to God; the Vulgate Latin version here adds "swallowing up death, that we might be made heirs of eternal life"; but is not supported by any copy or version: angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him; by "angels" may be meant angels both good and bad, who are all in subjection to Christ; and by authorities and powers, the kings, princes, and governors of this world, who hold their dominions from and under the Lord Jesus Christ; and which is an argument why believers should patiently bear all their sufferings and afflictions, since Christ has the government in his hands, and he rules and overrules all things for good; and when he pleases, he can put a stop to the rage and persecutions of men; and so the apostle returns to his former argument, in the following chapter. Next: 1 Peter Chapter 4
1 Peter 3:20
Suffering for Righteousness
19in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. 21And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) Genesis 5:24-32
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K08:28GenesisGEN 5:24MAT 6:331PE 3:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Enoch from the book of Genesis. Enoch was a man who walked with God and enjoyed spending time with Him every day. Eventually, God invited Enoch to take a long walk with Him and Enoch agreed. They walked so far that Enoch realized it was getting late and he needed to go back home. However, God told him that he was closer to His home than his own and invited Enoch to come home with Him. The preacher also contrasts the belief of modernism and some cults that suggest man can save himself or that human nature is inherently good, with the biblical view that man is inherently sinful and in need of salvation. The sermon concludes by mentioning the genealogy of mankind and the popular belief that human nature can be improved through environmental and hereditary changes, while emphasizing the biblical truth that salvation is ultimately a work of God.
(Genesis) - Part 8
By Zac Poonen1.5K59:23GEN 4:24GEN 5:1GEN 5:3GEN 5:11GEN 5:14MAT 1:11PE 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the influence we have on our children. He highlights the biblical concept that children inherit the nature and characteristics of their parents. The speaker encourages parents to take responsibility for their children's behavior and not to blame them for their own stubbornness or disobedience. He also discusses the contrast between Jerusalem and Babylon, emphasizing the significance of leaving a lasting impact through our lives rather than seeking fame or recognition. The sermon also addresses the sins that emerged in the descendants of Cain, namely sexual sin and violent anger, and emphasizes the need for total victory in these areas. The speaker concludes by highlighting the example of Enoch, who had a life-changing crisis that led him to remain faithful to God for 300 years.
The Cure for an Evil Heart
By Ernest O'Neill1.3K32:18Evil HeartGEN 6:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:11PE 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fundamental problem of mankind: the deceitful and wicked nature of the human heart. He refers to the story of Noah's Ark in Genesis 7 as an example of God's response to this problem, where God destroyed all flesh on earth to cleanse the evil hearts of humanity. The preacher then connects this concept to the resurrection of Jesus, stating that through Jesus, God destroyed our evil hearts and recreated us with new hearts. He also references 1 Peter 3:20 to support this idea. The sermon concludes by highlighting humanity's response to their insecurity and fearfulness, leading them to grab everything they can to fill the void.
The Triumph of Godliness
By Des Evans1.3K50:50GodlinessISA 54:9MAT 24:36HEB 1:1HEB 11:71PE 3:202PE 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter walking on water with Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of faith and the need to expend energy in our faith journey. The preacher highlights how Peter initially heard the word and believed, but it was not enough. He explains that true faith involves fixing our will to walk with Jesus and committing ourselves to the revealed truth of God. The preacher also touches on the idea that many people are not fully committed to heaven or hell, but rather seek a comfortable middle ground, which goes against the teachings of the Bible.
The Spirit of God Pt2
By Ralph Shallis1.1K57:13Spirit Of God1PE 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and significance of making a contract or covenant. He compares the binding nature of signatures on a piece of paper to the vows made in marriage. The speaker then explains that when God makes a covenant with us, it is not just a mere promise but a life-changing reality. He highlights the importance of accepting and identifying with Christ, as this decision leads to God's faithfulness in identifying us with Jesus. The speaker also mentions how the wonders of the universe reveal the intelligence and greatness of God, and how the Word of God and the Spirit of God played a role in the creation of the universe.
Baptism the Testimony of Salvation
By Erlo Stegen0BaptismTrue Transformation1PE 3:20Erlo Stegen emphasizes that baptism is a powerful testimony of salvation, not a mere ritual that guarantees transformation. He critiques the belief that infant christening or water baptism alone can save, asserting that true baptism symbolizes a genuine repentance and a new life in Christ. Stegen shares personal testimonies of individuals transformed by Christ, highlighting that true change comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from the act of baptism itself. He urges believers to examine their lives for any unconfessed sins and to live authentically for Christ, as baptism should reflect a true commitment to following Him. Ultimately, he calls for a clear separation from sin and a wholehearted dedication to God's will.
This Ark Can Go Through Fire
By Allan Halton0GEN 1:9JER 9:242CO 5:17HEB 1:31PE 3:202PE 3:92PE 3:13Allan Halton preaches on the significance of Noah's ark as a foreshadowing of Christ's atonement on the cross. He emphasizes the importance of water baptism as a symbol of cleansing the conscience and obedience to God's command. Halton discusses how the events of Noah's time parallel the present age, warning of the impending Day of the Lord and the necessity of being found in Christ to survive the coming judgment. He urges believers to live holy and godly lives, hastening the return of Christ and the establishment of a new creation where righteousness dwells.
Get Into the Ark!
By Allan Halton0MAT 16:24MRK 16:16LUK 12:50LUK 17:26ROM 3:23HEB 11:71PE 3:20Allan Halton preaches on the importance of heeding Jesus' warning about the days of the coming of the Son of man, emphasizing the need to 'get out' of the world's ways and 'enter in' to God's provision of salvation. Just as Noah and Lot were saved by following God's instructions, believers today must enter into Christ, the true Ark of salvation, through faith and baptism into His death and resurrection. This act of faith becomes our 'ark' of salvation, ensuring our security through trials and judgments to come.
Noah and the Law of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 3:7GEN 6:5ISA 43:18JHN 14:6ROM 6:3ROM 8:22CO 5:211PE 3:20REV 3:16T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the importance of being on resurrection ground, as exemplified by Noah's testimony. He emphasizes the need to have the answer of a good conscience toward God, which is only possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into the significance of being out of the life of nature and walking with God on resurrection ground, where the law of the Spirit of life operates. It highlights the dangers of mixing the natural life with Divine things, stressing the importance of discernment and distinctiveness in our spiritual walk.
The Influence of One Man - Noah & Joshua
By Zac Poonen0LeadershipFaithfulnessGEN 6:8EXO 33:11DEU 31:7JOS 3:7JOS 10:14JDG 2:7MAT 24:371CO 15:58HEB 11:71PE 3:20Zac Poonen emphasizes the profound influence of individual faithfulness through the examples of Noah and Joshua. Noah, amidst a wicked world, remained faithful to God, ensuring the survival of humanity and serving as a model for uncompromising faith in today's society. Similarly, Joshua, after years of preparation, was exalted by God to lead Israel, demonstrating the miraculous support God provides to those He chooses. The impact of Joshua's leadership was so significant that the Israelites remained faithful during his lifetime, highlighting the power of one man's devotion to God. Poonen calls for modern believers to emulate the steadfastness of these biblical figures in a world increasingly filled with rebellion against God.
What Baptism Means
By Zac Poonen0ROM 6:4GAL 2:20EPH 4:22COL 3:91PE 3:20Zac Poonen delves into the profound meaning of baptism as explained in Romans 6:1-7, emphasizing the crucifixion of our old sinful nature with Christ and our burial into His death. He distinguishes between the old man, representing our former sinful mindset, and the flesh, which is the self-life within us that opposes God's will. Through baptism, we testify to the death of our old man and our resurrection with Christ, symbolizing a new life in Him.
The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought
By Jonathan Edwards0GEN 6:22JOB 27:20PRO 29:1MAT 24:36MAT 25:11LUK 23:251TH 5:3HEB 11:71PE 3:202PE 3:5Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the thorough and universal obedience of Noah, who followed all of God's commands diligently for his salvation. Edwards highlights the immense undertaking Noah faced in building the ark, which required great labor, care, and expense, lasting for 120 years. He urges listeners to be willing to engage in and persevere through the great work necessary for their eternal salvation, as the deluge of God's wrath will surely come, and those who neglect this work will be swallowed up in it, facing infinitely terrible destruction.
Salvation From the Pleasure of Sin
By A.W. Pink0ROM 8:191CO 1:7GAL 5:5PHP 3:20HEB 9:281PE 3:20The preacher delves into the concept of eagerly waiting for Christ's return, emphasizing the intense yearning and eager anticipation believers should have for the Lord's coming. This waiting involves withdrawing attention from worldly distractions and focusing solely on welcoming the Savior. The sermon highlights the heavenly citizenship of Christians, urging them to live in a manner befitting citizens of heaven, with their allegiance primarily to God's kingdom. The ultimate transformation of believers' bodies into the likeness of Christ's glorious body is also discussed, emphasizing the power of God to subject all things to Himself.
1 Peter 3:20
By John Gill0God's LongsufferingSalvation through FaithGEN 6:14MAT 7:131PE 3:20John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:20, discussing the disobedience of those in the days of Noah who ignored God's warnings and the preaching of Noah, leading to their destruction in the flood. He emphasizes God's longsuffering during the 120 years of ark preparation, where only eight souls were saved, illustrating the narrow path to salvation through faith in Christ, akin to entering the ark. Gill draws parallels between the flood's waters that saved Noah and his family and the Gospel's dual nature of salvation and judgment, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When once the long-suffering of God waited - In Pirkey Aboth, cap. v. 2, we have these words: "There were ten generations from Adam to Noah, that the long-suffering of God might appear; for each of these generations provoked him to anger, and went on in their iniquity, till at last the deluge came." Were saved by water - While the ark was preparing, only Noah's family believed; these amounted to eight persons; and these only were saved from the deluge δι' ὑδατος, on the water: all the rest perished in the water; though many of them, while the rains descended, and the waters daily increased, did undoubtedly humble themselves before God, call for mercy, and receive it; but as they had not repented at the preaching of Noah, and the ark was now closed, and the fountains of the great deep broken up, they lost their lives, though God might have extended mercy to their souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
once--not in the oldest manuscripts. when . . . the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah--Oldest manuscripts. Greek, "was continuing to wait on" (if haply men in the hundred twenty years of grace would repent) until the end of His waiting came in their death by the flood. This refutes ALFORD'S idea of a second day of grace having been given in Hades. Noah's days are selected, as the ark and the destroying flood answer respectively to "baptism" and the coming destruction of unbelievers by fire. while the ark was a-preparing-- (Heb 11:7). A long period of God's "long-suffering and waiting," as Noah had few to help him, which rendered the world's unbelief the more inexcusable. wherein--literally, "(by having entered) into which." eight--seven (the sacred number) with ungodly Ham. few--so now. souls--As this term is here used of living persons, why should not "spirits" also? Noah preached to their ears, but Christ in spirit, to their spirits, or spiritual natures. saved by water--The same water which drowned the unbelieving, buoyed up the ark in which the eight were saved. Not as some translate, "were brought safe through the water." However, the sense of the preposition may be as in Co1 3:15, "they were safely preserved through the water," though having to be in the water.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is gone into heaven,.... After he had been risen forty days, where he is received, and will remain, until the restitution of all things; and where he appears in the presence of God for his people, and ever lives to make intercession for them; and is entered as their forerunner, and is preparing mansions of glory for them; and will come again, and take them to himself, to be for ever with him, and from hence they expect him: and is on the right hand of God; where Stephen saw him; and which is an honour never conferred on any angel, or man; and shows that Christ had done his work, and that in a way acceptable to God; the Vulgate Latin version here adds "swallowing up death, that we might be made heirs of eternal life"; but is not supported by any copy or version: angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him; by "angels" may be meant angels both good and bad, who are all in subjection to Christ; and by authorities and powers, the kings, princes, and governors of this world, who hold their dominions from and under the Lord Jesus Christ; and which is an argument why believers should patiently bear all their sufferings and afflictions, since Christ has the government in his hands, and he rules and overrules all things for good; and when he pleases, he can put a stop to the rage and persecutions of men; and so the apostle returns to his former argument, in the following chapter. Next: 1 Peter Chapter 4