1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

For {G3754} Christ {G5547} also {G2532} hath once {G530} suffered {G3958} for {G4012} sins {G266}, the just {G1342} for {G5228} the unjust {G94}, that {G2443} he might bring {G4317} us {G2248} to God {G2316}, being put to death {G2289}{G3303} in the flesh {G4561}, but {G1161} quickened {G2227} by the Spirit {G4151}:

For the Messiah himself died for sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but brought to life by the Spirit;

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

This verse is a foundational statement explaining the significance of Christ's suffering, providing context and motivation for believers who were enduring persecution (as described in the surrounding chapters).

Historical and Cultural Context

Peter is writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were facing various forms of hardship and suffering for their faith. He encourages them to live righteously even when it leads to opposition, pointing to Christ as their ultimate example.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Substitutionary Atonement: The core message is that Christ, "the just," suffered and died "for the unjust." This highlights the concept that Jesus took the penalty for humanity's sins upon himself.
  • Purpose of Suffering: Christ's suffering had a specific goal: "that he might bring us to God." His sacrifice bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, enabling reconciliation and access to God.
  • Death and Resurrection: The verse clearly states Christ was "put to death in the flesh" (His physical body died) but was "quickened by the Spirit" (made alive again, resurrected). This links His atoning death directly to His victorious resurrection.
  • Singular Sacrifice: The phrase "once suffered" (or "suffered once for all") emphasizes the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. It does not need to be repeated.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word translated "once" is the Greek word hapax, meaning "once for all" or "a single time," emphasizing the unique and sufficient nature of Christ's sacrifice.
  • "Quickened" comes from the Greek word zoopoieo, meaning "to make alive" or "to give life to." This refers to Christ being brought back to life, His resurrection.

Cross-references

This verse echoes themes found in other parts of the New Testament:

  • Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
  • Hebrews 9:28 - Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.

Practical Application

Understanding Christ's suffering as a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins, enabling us to be brought to God, provides immense comfort and hope. It means our relationship with God is based on His finished work, not our own efforts. It also gives meaning to suffering; just as Christ's suffering led to resurrection and glory, our own trials endured for righteousness can deepen our relationship with God and lead to spiritual growth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 9:28

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • Hebrews 9:26

    For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • 1 Peter 4:6

    For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Romans 5:6

    ¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

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