The Spirits in Prison: An Exegetical Study of 1 Peter 3:19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discover the identity the spirits in prison in 1 Pet 3:19 and to examine the content of the proclamation made to them, the one who made the proclamation and the time it was made. The review of literatures shows that the spirits in prison are angels who once rebelled against the government of God in heaven as recorded in Rev 12:7-9 and were cast down. Jesus, after His resurrection proclaimed to these evil angels a message of victory over them and the judgment of doom that is awaiting them. The believers who were going through a period of suffering from their hostile neighbors were addressed by 1 Peter to endure humiliation for the sake of Christ because their own victory will surely come as Christ, their example, suffered and finally triumphed over His foes. Believers today can draw inspiration from the victory of Christ in the face of trials and sufferings.