I Corinthians 16
Offering given in church each Sundayverses 1-4
Now concerning the collection for the saints
as I have given order to the churches of Galatia
even so do ye
On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store
as God hath prospered him
that there be no gatherings when I come
And when I come – whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters
them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem
and if it be meet that I go also – they shall go with me
Paul relates travel plansverses 5-9
Now I will come unto you – when I shall pass through Macedonia
for I do pass through Macedonia
And it may be that I will abide – yea – and winter with you
that you may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go
FOR I will not see you now by the way
BUT I trust to tarry a while with you
if the Lord permit
BUT I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost
for a great door and effectual is opened unto me
and there are many adversaries
Instructions regarding Timothyverses 10-11
Now if Timotheus come – see that he may be with you without fear
for he works the work of the Lord – as I also do
Let no man therefore despise him – BUT conduct him forth in peace
that he may come to me – FOR I look for him with the brethren
Instructions regarding Apollosverse 12
As touching our brother Apollos
I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren
but his will was not at all to come at this time
BUT he will come when he shall have convenient time
General instructions to believers in Corinthverses 13-14
Watch you – stand fast in the faith – quit you like men – be strong
let all your things be done with charity
Praise for house of Stephanasverses 15-18
I beseech you – brethren
(you know the house of Stephanas
that it is the firstfruits of Achaia
and that they have addicted themselves
to the ministry of the saints)
that ye submit yourselves unto such
and to every one that helps with us – and labors
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus
for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied
FOR they have refreshed my spirit and yours
THEREFORE acknowledge you them that are such
Final greetings and warningverses 19-24
The churches of Asia salute you
Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord
with the church that is in their house
All the brethren greet you
greet you one another with a holy kiss
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand
IF any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ
let him be Anathema Maranatha
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
my love be with you all in Christ Jesus AMEN
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (2137 “prospered” [euodoo] means to guide well, to help on the road, succeed in reaching, to succeed in business affairs, or to cause to prosper)
DEVOTION: Paul was coming to the church at Corinth in the future as the LORD gave him freedom. He wanted to stay a long time with this church to give them further instructions in the Word of God.
He also knew that the church wanted to send a gift to the church in Jerusalem because there was a need. He gave instruction regarding the collection of money for this purpose.
He wanted them to collect the offering on a weekly basis rather than them taking a big collection when he arrived. He wanted them to give systematically to this need.
He also gave instructions regarding how much they were to give. They were to give as the LORD gave them success in their business adventures or from what they received on a weekly basis.
We live in a prosperous country called America. God has blessed us with many blessing we don’t even realize. When we give to HIM of our wealth, sometimes we think that we have earned it so it is ours. Many Christians think that because someone is a Christian and wealthy that he/she is living the life God wants them to live. Only God and the person know where they stand with HIM.
Many think that if a Christian is poor, he is not living his life the way the LORD would have him live it. Both of these thoughts are wrong. The LORD only gives us what HE knows we can handle. Some of us can’t handle wealth. God knows this fact about us. We would like the LORD to try sometimes to give us more money to handle but HE always does what is best for us.
The Bible makes it very plain that all our blessing and wealth come from HIM and if we don’t honor HIM with our giving, HE can stop the blessings from coming. Paul says that our giving should happen on a regular basis. It should happen on the first day of the week.
Are we giving on a regular basis to the needs of the church and to his servants in parachurch ministries? If you are blessed, remember HIM.
CHALLENGE: The first check written each payday should be to the LORD for HIS work in a local church and beyond.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (1756 “effectual” [energes] means powerful, active, able to bring about, energy, productive, or operative)
DEVOTION: Here was Paul on a missionary journey with a city that was alive to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was an open door for him to preach. He was excited about working in the city of Ephesus.
People were becoming followers of Jesus Christ. When this is happening in the life of someone who wants to serve the LORD it brings extra energy to the person the LORD is using for HIS glory.
Remember that any time the LORD is working in a city or in a church there are going to be adversaries. There are always people who seem to be the advocates of the devil. Sometimes it is even people in the church. We don’t like them to seem to cause problems but they are there. We read often of people who need to be dealt with in the local church where the LORD is working.
So anytime you see the LORD working in your church remember that around the corner will be the naysayers. They will point out all the shortcomings of the preacher or someone in the congregation. They will stir up strife.
Paul was not going to let it happen. He was going to stay long enough to work through the problems and keep the door open for more to become followers of Christ.
Sometime we will see the LORD working in our group and people become disgruntled and quit instead of fighting through the obstacles to see victory on the other side.
CHALLENGE: If there is a time period of great blessing in your local church, pray harder, for the leadership to stick to the message of the gospel and continue to see souls won to the LORD.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 13 Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. : 14 Let all your things be done with charity. (407 “quit you like men” [andrizomai] means to make a man of or make brave, to show one’s self a man, act courageously, to be valiant, to strengthen oneself, or to exhibit strength in danger)
DEVOTION: Paul gives general instructions to all the believers at Corinth. These instructions are good for any church membership. Our churches are going through a time period where it is hard to stay on course because there are so many voices saying different things.
He is warning us to watch out for people who want to have us stop working for the LORD. He is warning us that there are people who will teach false doctrine to try to confuse those who are believers.
Sometimes we need courage to challenge people to live the way they should for the LORD. Most of the time most Christians would like to say nothing. It is easier. But the LORD wants us to have the courage to challenge fellow believers to step up to the plate and serve the LORD with their gifts.
All of us have to be strong for the LORD each day. If we let our guard down we will weaken. If we look around many times we will see others weaken and it would be easier for us to weaken.
Finally, Paul wants us to always do all of our work with an attitude of love toward of fellow believers. We are not to condemn those around us we are to help them. Paul needed help and showed his appreciation by complimenting those who helped in his ministry.
CHALLENGE: Compliment someone who has encouraged you this week. You can be an encourager too.
: 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and your: therefore acknowledge you them that are such. (373 “refreshed” [anapauo] means take rest, give rest, to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength, revive, remain quiet, relax, to calm, desist, or stop)
DEVOTION: Here we have Paul complimenting those who have supplied what was lacking in his ministry. When someone else was letting him down there were others that were picking up the slack.
When he saw this happen, he was refreshed in his service to the LORD. Many times those who are very active for the LORD on a daily basis overextend themselves to the people where they might want to give up.
It is at these times that someone comes alongside and encouraged them to keep going. These people are alert to what is happening in the life of another servant of the LORD and listens to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and gives their fellow servant a hug or a word of encouragement.
The Old Testament states that sometimes servants need “fresh oil” from the LORD to keep going. If someone comes to encourage a fellow believer there also must be a time of acknowledgement. There is nothing wrong with public services where people are given awards for their faithfulness in helping others when they are struggling. An awards ceremony in a church can be good if it is done with integrity. It should not be done just to please people.
CHALLENGE: Only acknowledge those who are truly faithful to service to the LORD and others.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Lord permitsverse 7
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Lay by him in storeverse 2
Liberality in givingverse 3
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
First day of the weekverse 2
Lay in store your offeringverse 2
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverse 2
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Lordverses 7, 10, 19, 22, 23
Lord permitsverse 7
Work of the Lordverse 10
Jesusverses 22-24
Christverses 22-24
Lord Jesus Christ verse 22, 23
Christ Jesusverse 23
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Macedoniaverse 5
Ephesusverse 8
Achaiaverse 15
Asiaverse 19
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Adversaries to gospelverse 9
Despiseverse 11
Love not LORDverse 22
Anathema Maranathaverse 22
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Saintsverses 1, 15
Prospered of the LORDverse 2
Without fearverse 10
Work the workverses 10, 16
Peace with each otherverse 11
Brethrenverses 11, 12, 15, 20
Be watchfulverse 13
Stand fast in the faithverse 13
Quit you like menverse 13
Be strongverse 13
Charity (love)verses 14, 24
Addicted to ministryverse 15
Submitverse 16
Help in the laborverse 16
Supply each otherverse 17
Refresh one anotherverse 18
Acknowledge one anotherverse 18
Greet one another holy kissverse 20
Graceverse 23
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Offering to Jerusalem churchverse 3
Pentecostverse 8
Church (New Testament people of God)
Saints in churches of Galatiaverse 1
First day of the weekverse 2
Lay in store offeringverse 2
People appointed to bring offering verse 3
Open doors verse 9
Timothyverse 10
Apollosverse 12
House of Stephanasverses 15, 17
Fortunatusverse 17
Achaicusverse 17
Churches in Asiaverse 19
Aquila and Priscillaverse 19
Church in houseverse 19
Paulverse 21
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
Watch ye (γρηγορειτε [grēgoreite]). Stay awake. Late present from ἐγρηγορα [egrēgora] second perfect of ἐγειρω [egeirō], to awake. Quit you like men (ἀνδριζεσθε [andrizesthe]). Play the man. Middle voice, show yourselves men. From ἀνηρ [anēr], a man. (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Co 16:13). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
16:13–14. Paul began the conclusion with a pointed exhortation along a fivefold line. The command, Be on your guard (grēgoreite) might be rendered “be diligent” in carrying out the will of God (cf. 15:58, “give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”). In view of the Corinthians’ susceptibility to false teachers (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3) the exhortation to stand firm in the faith was a timely reminder (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1, 58). So too were the closing exhortations (similar to the Gr. text of several Pss., e.g., 27:14; 31:24) to be men of courage and be strong, that is, marked by maturity (cf. 1 Cor. 14:20) and not infants easily swept aside (cf. Eph. 4:14). That sort of diligence and commitment is required if everything is to be done in love (cf. 1 Cor. 12:31b=14:1). (Lowery, D. K. (1985). 1 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 547). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Apollos (vv. 12–14). Apollos was an eloquent Jew who was brought into the full understanding of the Gospel by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24–28). He had ministered with great power at Corinth, and there was a segment of the church there that felt attached to him (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4–8). It is unlikely that Apollos promoted this division, for his great concern seemed to be to preach Christ. In spite of the division (“The Apollos Fan Club”), Paul did not hesitate to encourage Apollos to return to Corinth for further ministry. It is clear that there was no envy on Paul’s part or sense of competition on the part of Apollos.
Paul did not have the authority to place men against their will. Apollos did not feel he should go to Corinth at that time, and Paul had to concur with his decision. It is wonderful the way these different men worked together.
Perhaps it was in the light of the divisions in the church that Paul gave the admonitions in 1 Corinthians 16:13–14. Watch simply means “Be alert! Be vigilant!” The enemy is always at hand, and we are never safe from attack. Satan would certainly attack the church and try to hinder the ministry of Timothy or Apollos.
To stand fast in the faith means to have mature stability. Paul had already warned them that they were immature children who needed to grow up (1 Cor. 3:1ff). No wonder Paul added, Quit you like men which means, “Act like men, not children.” (The word quit is short for “acquit”—to perform or act.) It was a call to courageous manliness at an hour when mature leadership was needed.
But even manliness needs to be balanced with love, lest leadership become dictatorship. Paul had expounded the value and virtues of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Carl Sandburg, when addressing the United States Congress, said that Abraham Lincoln was a man of “velvet steel.” That is a good image for the Christian to borrow, for true manliness does not exclude tenderness. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 624). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
And then we have the words, “Quit you like men.” He reproved these Corinthians in the early part of the letter because some of them were acting like babies; some were divided into little sectarian groups, and he said, “When you talk like this, it is childishness.” “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it.” Whenever you see Christians fussing, quarreling about their own rights, complaining because they are not properly recognized, because people do not greet them as they think they should, because they do not get enough applause for what they do, put it down as the “baby” spirit coming out. They have not yet reached spiritual maturity. The man in Christ is indifferent to praise or to blame. If I belong to Christ, I am here to serve Him. If I have His approbation, that is the thing that counts. “Quit you like men.” May God deliver us from our babyishness. In some churches half the time of the minister is spent trying to keep weak Christians quiet over little slights. If you are living for God, people cannot slight you because you will not let them. It will not make any difference to you. “Quit you like men, be strong.”
Someone says, “That is just my trouble. I know I ought to be strong, but I am so weak.” Of course you cannot be strong in your own strength. We read: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). And the more you realize your own weakness, and the more you throw yourself upon Him, the more you will be able to stand in the evil day, for His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
And then again, you are not to be strong in your own human spirit, but to be strong by the Spirit of the Lord. Turn to Ephesians 3:16, 17. The apostle prays, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, and He has come to dwell in you if you are a believer. If He is controlling the life, dominating your will, it is not a question of your ability to stand, it is a question of His. You are simply yielded to Him, and as you are yielded to Him you are enabled to be strong and to stand for His glory. (Ironside, H. A. (1938). Addresses on the First Epistle to the Corinthians. (pp. 556–558). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
Ver. 13. Watch ye, &c.] The apostle in the mean while, before he closes his epistle, thinks fit to give some proper and pertinent exhortations, which might be of general use to this church; and first exhorts them to watchfulness, not for the coming of Apollos, and a convenient season for that; but over themselves, over their hearts, thoughts, affections, words, actions, and their whole conversations; and over one another, that they go not into bad principles, and evil practices; and also against sin in general, every appearance, and the first motions of it, and particularly unbelief; and against Satan, and his temptations, who is an indefatigable enemy, and whose wiles, devices, and stratagems are many and cunning; and against the world, its charms and snares; and likewise against false teachers, who lie in wait to deceive, and therefore to be guarded against; many of which were among these Corinthians, and made this exhortation very necessary. It became them likewise to watch daily at wisdom’s gates, to wait constantly upon God in the word and ordinances, and especially to watch unto prayer, and in it, and after it; to all which ’tis necessary that they should be awake, and not asleep, to which the wise as well as foolish virgins are subject; that they should be sober, and not be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life; and that they be in their proper station, on their watch-tower, keeping a good look-out, and being ready armed, to attack an enemy when descried. Many are the reasons why the saints should be upon their watch and guard; as because they have many eyes upon them; the eyes of the omniscient God are upon them, who sees and takes notice of all their actions; the eyes of angels are upon them, and even in their solemn assemblies; the eyes of saints are upon them, though watching for their good; and the eyes of evil men for their halting; and the eyes of devils are upon them, waiting an opportunity to do them hurt and mischief, if possible. Moreover, unwatchfulness exposes to many evils, temptations, and snares; to which may be added, as an inducement to watchfulness, the uncertainty of Christ’s coming either at death, or to judgment. Stand fast in the faith; which is proper to those that are watchful; for men asleep can’t well stand. This exhortation may respect either standing in the grace of faith, in opposition to doubting and unbelief, and design a continuance in the exercise of it, notwithstanding all the corruptions of nature, and the various sins and infirmities of life, the frequent temptations of Satan, and the many afflictions and trials in the world, which may occasion diffidence and distrust; for standing in this grace, and in such a constant exercise of it, greatly glorifies God, is what is well-pleasing in his sight; and in this way saints have communion with God, peace and comfort in their souls, and much spiritual joy and pleasure: it is the grace by which they stand, and therefore should stand in it, and by which they overcome the world. Or else it may intend standing in the doctrine of faith, in opposition to a departure from it, or a giving up any part of it, or wavering about it; it becomes saints to be steadfast in it, and abide by it, whoever is against it; let them be ever so many, or ever so wise and learned, and whatever may be said against it, as that it is a novel one, a licentious one, and a set of irrational principles, and whatever is the opposition that is made against it, though bonds and afflictions, reproach and persecution in every shape attend it, yet none of these things should move them from it. Perhaps that particular doctrine of faith, the resurrection of the dead, may be greatly regarded. Moreover, standing in the profession of faith, both of the grace and doctrine of faith, may be intended; for as this is to be made, it is to be held fast, and stood fast in, without wavering, by all true believers, who have great encouragement so to do from the person and grace of Christ, and from the love and faithfulness of God, and the many gracious promises he has made. Wherefore, quit yourselves like men, be strong; a like phrase is often used by the Septuagint interpreters, as in Deut. 31:6, 23; Jos. 1:6, 7, 9, 18 and 10:25; 2 Sam. 10:12; 1 Chron. 22:13 and 28:20; 2 Chron. 32:7 and Dan. 10:19 from whence the apostle seems to have taken it. It answers to the Hebrew word התאששו, in Isa. 46:8. Quit you like men; like men of wisdom and understanding; be not like children for non-proficiency, instability, and weakness; see ch. 14:20 act the part of men; believe not every spirit; be not carried and tossed about with every wind of doctrine; search the Scriptures, and try every doctrine by them; and having found what is truth abide by it, and be proficients in it, instructing and establishing yourselves and others. In which sense the Jews use this phrase, saying, “in a place where there are no men, השתדל להיות איש, study to be a man, or to shew thyself a man;” which one of their commentators explains thus; “use and accustom thyself to obtain excellent things, and afterwards when there are no wise men to teach, then do thou teach thyself.” And anotherd after this manner; “in the place where there is no man to sit at the head and teach doctrines,” do thou. Or play the man, as in 2 Sam. 10:12 act like men of valour and courage, stand fast, keep your ground, and contend earnestly for the faith; be valiant for the truth on earth; light the good right of faith: it is a good cause believers are engaged in; they have a good Captain and Commander at the head of them; they are provided with good weapons, may be sure of victory, and of having the crown of righteousness, life, and glory: wherefore be strong; that is, for the faith: so the Targumist on Jer. 9:3. renders the phrase, they are not valiant for the truth, לא להימנותא תקיפו, they are not strong for the faith: be strong; not in themselves, but in the Lord, and in the power of his might; in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; believe in him, look to him for strength as well as righteousness; trust in his power, whose arm is not shortened; depend on his grace, which is always sufficient; take heart, be of good courage, and fear no enemy; see Josh. 1:6 which seems to be particularly referred to here. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 2, pp. 750–751). London: Mathews and Leigh.)_
The verse is less about gathering every week for worship than it is privately budgeting what to give. This phrase each one of you is literally “each one of you by himself,” suggesting that this decision making process take place privately. There is no indication of a mandatory 10 percent tithe in these verses. (p.1804)…….
Let all that you do be done in love (v.14) was an enormously important exhortation for this church that was beset with self-centeredness and arrogance. (p. 1805)
(The Moody Bible Commentary by Michael Rydelnik & Michael Vanlaningham)
FROM MY READING:
THE HOLY SPIRIT GLORIFIES THE SON
He shall glorify me. John 16:14
After the Lord Jesus Christ went back to heaven, He sent upon the church the Holy Spirit, and the business and work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son. Now this is a marvelous statement. We do not see the Holy Spirit—He is invisible, and in a sense that is because His work is to glorify the Son. Indeed, we read about the Holy Spirit in John 16:14 the same thing that we read elsewhere about the Son. Our Lord says that the Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself, but “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” We are told precisely the same thing about the Son in relation to the Father. Therefore, the great controlling thought we must hold in our minds is that the chief work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
In a sense the final glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ was the coming of the Holy Spirit. We are told in John’s Gospel that the Holy Spirit was not yet come because Jesus was not yet glorified. We see this in the great promise our Lord made one day in the Temple when He said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). And John expounds on that: “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” So the Holy Spirit could not be given until Christ had finished the work the Father had given Him to do, until He had died and risen again, until He had ascended and taken His seat at the right hand of God. God then said, in effect, “I give You the promise; You send it upon the people.”
A Thought to Ponder: The chief work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. (From Saved in Eternity, pp. 86-87, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Exodus 20
Moses meets with the Lord on top of Mount Sinai where he receives the Ten Commandments.
INSIGHT
The genius of God’s moral system is that everything He asks of us is for our good. Often the Ten Commandments are seen by people as restrictive, keeping them from doing something that would make them happy. Initially, perhaps. But ultimately, nothing could be further from the truth.
Sin is self-destructive; righteousness is self-constructive. It makes no more sense to sin willfully than it does to become a drug addict. In both cases, the person is destroying himself.
Abandon yourself to the moral law of God. It is glorifying to Him, but it is also good for you. Understood in this light, we see the truth in the statement that anything less than the glory of God is anti-human. (Quiet Walk)
During a two-month period in 1994, as many as one million Tutsis were slain in Rwanda by Hutu tribe members bent on killing their fellow countrymen. In the wake of this horrific genocide, Bishop Geoffrey Rwubusisi approached his wife about reaching out to women whose loved ones had been slain. Mary’s reply was, “All I want to do is cry.” She too had lost members of her family. The bishop’s response was that of a wise leader and caring husband: “Mary, gather the women together and cry with them.” He knew his wife’s pain had prepared her to uniquely share in the pain of others.
The church, the family of God, is where all of life can be shared—the good and not-so-good. The New Testament words “one another” are used to capture our interdependence. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . . Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:10, 16). The extent of our connectedness is expressed in verse 15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
While the depth and scope of our pain may pale in comparison with those affected by genocide, it’s nonetheless personal and real. And, as with the pain of Mary, because of what God has done for us it can be embraced and shared for the comfort and good of others. (By Arthur Jackson, Daily Bread)
The Spirits in Prison
“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: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
Just who were these imprisoned spirits to whom Christ preached when He had been “put to death in the flesh”? This has been a controversial verse, so one should not be dogmatic in discussing it. However, the idea that these were souls in purgatory to whom Christ was offering a second chance is clearly wrong, for Hebrews 9:27 declares plainly that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
One point often overlooked is that the word “spirits” can apply to angels as well as human beings. In fact, when it occurs in the plural, as it does here, it refers specifically to angels in at least 26 of its 30 occurrences.
This strongly suggests that these were evil spirits to whom Christ was (literally) “proclaiming” the victory He had won over Satan when He had “once suffered for sins” on the cross (the same word is translated “proclaimed” in Luke 12:3—“proclaimed upon the housetops”). These fallen angels had tried to corrupt all flesh “in the days of Noah” (1 Peter 3:20; see Genesis 6:1-4, 12), and therefore had been cast “down to hell” and “delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:4).
But as Peter had preached on the day of Pentecost: “His soul was not left in hell . . . . This Jesus hath God raised up” and “hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:31-32, 36). Thus, He is now our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom some day soon “every knee should bow, . . . in heaven, and . . . in earth, and . . . under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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