1 Peter 3:19-22
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.”
Proclamation to the imprisoned spirits: This is a particularly difficult passage to interpret. Some believe it means that Christ went to hell to preach to those who were there after the time of Noah’s flood. This could certainly be true; however, it is more likely that this is speaking of previous expressions of Christ throughout history. The passage specifically speaks of those who were alive when the ark was being built. So, it stands to reason, that Christ proclaimed the Gospel through Noah to those who are now currently in spiritual prison.
Baptism that now saves you: Peter is speaking of being baptized spiritually into Christ at faith in Jesus, not a physical baptism. Notice Peter’s language: The baptism which saves is not one that removes dirt from the body.
God’s right hand: Christ is seated at the right hand of God because His salvific work is complete. He has removed our sins past, present and future. This means that there is no longer a sacrifice needed for sin. His work as a High Priest is, therefore, finished.
