Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Peter 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 4:6 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. |
Bible Question: Ok. I see what you mean. What's the actual traditional/historical interpretation of this verse? |
Bible Answer: There is a doctrine that goes pretty far back in church history that states that Christ actually descended into "the outer darkness" or "prison" to declare His victory over sin. This is explicitly stated in the Apostles Creed. (I do not necessarily hold to this view myself, but you asked for the orthodox interpretation.) There is a very scholarly and Biblical discussion of this by John Calvin in his Institutes. He talks there about all the various views on this specific topic. You can read it at: http://www.reformed.org/documents/Christ_in_hell/ Check out his arguments and the scripture he cites and form your own opinion. Its interesting reading! :-) |