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.

For {G1063} for {G1519} this cause {G5124} was the gospel preached {G2097} also {G2532} to them that are dead {G3498}, that {G2443} they might be judged {G2919}{G3303} according to {G2596} men {G444} in the flesh {G4561}, but {G1161} live {G2198} according to {G2596} God {G2316} in the spirit {G4151}.

This is why he was proclaimed to those who have died; it was so that, although physically they would receive the judgment common to all humanity, they might live by the Spirit in the way that God has provided.

That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Commentary

1 Peter 4:6 is a profound and sometimes debated verse that offers comfort and clarity regarding the destiny of believers, especially those who have passed away. It continues Peter's theme of living righteously in anticipation of Christ's return and enduring suffering with a spiritual perspective.

Context

This verse follows a discussion about suffering for Christ and living godly lives in a world hostile to faith. Peter has been urging his readers, who were scattered throughout Asia Minor and facing various forms of persecution, to arm themselves with the same mind as Christ, who suffered in the flesh (1 Peter 4:1). The immediate context of 1 Peter 4:5 speaks of Christ being ready to judge the quick (living) and the dead. Verse 6 then explains why the gospel was preached to those now dead in relation to this judgment.

Key Themes

  • The Efficacy of the Gospel Beyond Physical Death: The phrase "the gospel preached also to them that are dead" most commonly refers to those who heard and believed the gospel while they were alive and are now physically deceased. It assures believers that their salvation, secured through the gospel, is not nullified by physical death.
  • Judgment According to Men in the Flesh: To be "judged according to men in the flesh" means that from a human, earthly perspective, death is seen as the end, and often associated with judgment or the cessation of life. This acknowledges the reality of physical demise and the human experience of loss and finality.
  • Life According to God in the Spirit: This is the glorious contrast. Despite physical death, believers who heard the gospel and died "live according to God in the spirit." This highlights the spiritual and eternal nature of true life, which is granted by God and transcends physical existence. It emphasizes that while the body may die, the spirit lives on in communion with God. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching on eternal life beginning now and continuing after death for those in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "them that are dead" (nekrois) simply means "dead ones" and, in this context, refers to those who have physically died. The key contrast is between "in the flesh" (sarki), referring to the physical, earthly realm and human perspective, and "in the spirit" (pneumati), referring to the spiritual realm and God's divine perspective. This distinction is crucial for understanding the verse's message about the continuity of spiritual life despite physical death.

Related Scriptures

Some interpreters connect this verse to 1 Peter 3:19, where Christ preached to the spirits in prison. However, 1 Peter 4:6 specifically mentions the gospel being preached, which typically implies a message of salvation and repentance, suggesting a different context than Christ's unique post-resurrection proclamation. The primary understanding remains that the gospel was preached to people while they were alive, and the verse addresses their status after death.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 4:6 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reinforces the truth that physical death is not the end for those who have placed their faith in Christ. While we may experience sorrow and loss from a human perspective when loved ones die, we can have confidence that they are living "according to God in the spirit." This verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their spiritual life in Christ is secure and transcends the limitations of the flesh and the finality of death. It underscores the enduring power of the gospel to bring life, even beyond the grave.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:2 (13 votes)

    For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

  • 1 Peter 3:19 (10 votes)

    By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

  • John 5:25 (9 votes)

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

  • John 5:26 (9 votes)

    For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

  • Romans 8:9 (9 votes)

    But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  • Romans 8:11 (9 votes)

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • Ephesians 2:3 (6 votes)

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.