4 In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values. 5 But they will [have to] give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the good news [of salvation] was preached [in their lifetimes] even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to [the will and purpose of] God.
Persecuted for position
As we choose the path of following Christ and living a life that pleases Him, that is more and more free of sin, the world notices. Our friends and family, and our enemies also notice. Maybe they are jealous. Maybe they are convicted. Some will respond with abuse of varying degrees. This is maybe the most common form of persecution – for our position, our stand, for the truth, for righteousness.
“Unsaved people do not understand the radical change that their friends experience when they trust Christ and become children of God. They do not think it strange when people wreck their bodies, destroy their homes, and ruin their lives by running from one sin to another! But let a drunkard become sober, or an immoral person pure, and the family thinks he has lost his mind!” (Constable commentary quoting Wiersbe)
Accounting time
However, no matter how they respond, if it is not with repentance and faith in Christ as Saviour, they will be called to give an account to the King. Death will be a separation from their body and life on the earth. But it will not separate them from the accountability for their sin while living. God will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1).
Who are these dead?
So who are these dead in verse 6? “Peter has already told us that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, preaching a message of judgment (1 Peter 3:19). Apparently during this same time Jesus also preached a message of salvation to the faithful dead in Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16:22) who anticipated the work of the Messiah for them. This preaching to those who are dead was not the offer of a second chance, but the completion of the salvation of those who had been faithful to God under their first chance.” (enduringword.com)
RЯeflection
- Are you experiencing this type of persecution in your life? It is especially acute at the time of being saved, when the sudden break from the past is made. I remember in my college fraternity house the derision of my frat brothers at my new birth. When I cracked and dumped all my rock albums they said, “Surely you are crazy!” Hang in there fellow followers of Christ. Your reward in Heaven will be great!
- If we are not experiencing any persecution for our faith, we should ask ourselves why. It could be that we are not sharing our faith actively and others do not even know we are Christians. Maybe we’re not living a holy life that is different from the world around us. Respond to the work of the Spirit right now in your heart. Repent and seek Him.
