The Summation of All Things in Christ

Studies in Ephesians with a Local Church Emphasis

Lesson 80 : Excursus – Preaching to the Spirits in Prison (1 Pet 3:18)

A difficult passage  –  Questions to be evaluated  –  Major theories  –  What is the Book of Enoch and how does it relate to our passage?  –  Overview of pertinent passages in the Book of Enoch  –  Setting aside the controversies, here is what Peter is saying  –  Peter cannot be saying He ‘remained’ alive but rather was ‘made’ alive  –  ‘Spirit’ is probably not a reference to the Holy Spirit  –  How is Peter using the datives?  –  The sense is most probably ‘Christ’s earthly existence’ vs. ‘Christ’s risen state’