18 For Christ also suffered[b] once for sins, 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, 19 in which[c] he went and proclaimed[d] to the spirits in prison, 20 because[e] they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Suffering for good

We move from our suffering for doing good to the supreme example of suffering for doing good. That, of course, is Jesus Christ. 

Theology of Christ’s suffering

Peter gives us a dose of theology surrounding Christ’s suffering. 

• He suffered. As a man, he suffered physically, and emotionally (all His disciples deserted Him). And, as He was separated from the Father at His death, He suffered spiritually. It was like no other suffering ever experienced by any man.
• Once. He died one time, not many times. Catholics believe at each communion, He is sacrificed again. This is not what the Bible teaches. 
• Perfect substitute. Jesus, the righteous one who never sinned, died in the place of the unrighteous, us. One, perfect sacrifice was able to completely pay the penalty of the sin of all mankind, period. He completely saves us (Hebrews 7:25).
• Bring us to God. We, because of sin, are separated from a Holy God. Nothing we can do could ever pay the penalty for our sin. His death gives Him the ability and right to bring us to the Holy God. 
• Put to death. He physically died. He didn’t just pass out or feign death. This is a proven fact. It’s undeniable based on historical evidence.
• Raised to life. As it’s a fact He died, it’s a fact He was resurrected from the dead. Again, based on historical evidence. Peter says, “in the Spirit”. “Here, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. It also tells us that the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4), and it says that Jesus raised Himself from the dead (John 2:18-22). The resurrection was the work of the Triune God.” (enduringword.com)
• Resurrected to life. We also know He has a physical body after His resurrection. Thomas and the other disciples testify to this (John 20:24-29).

Noah’s time

Peter presents a unique sharing about the days of Noah and God’s patience with obstinate people whom He loved. There are different ways to interpret this passage (see Constable commentary). But suffice it to say, “God is so patient that he waited for 120 years before sending the Flood in Noah’s day (Gen. 6:3). Today He also waits. He is so patient that some people conclude that He will never judge them (cf. 2 Pet. 3:3-4).” (Constable Commentary)

RЯeflection

• Do you understand the suffering of Christ for your sins? Have you been convicted by the Holy Spirit that you are a sinner and Christ is your Savior? Click here for more information about receiving His free gift of salvation from the penalty for your sins.
• Fellow followers of Christ, let’s always remember this sacrifice for our sins. Without it, we have no hope beyond the grave. At Christmas, we give thanks that He came; God with us – Emmanuel. At Easter we give thanks that He died in our place so He could bring us to God. And then was raised again to life.