What does it mean that the gospel was preached to those who are dead (1 Peter 4:6)?

Response

Peter, writing to believers scattered throughout different provinces of Asia Minor “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”, (1 Peter 1:1), encourages them in the midst of their suffering and persecution. In a section of his first letter, Peter mentions the gospel that “was preached also to those who are dead” “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”, (1 Peter 4:6, NKJV).

To grasp Peter’s meaning regarding the gospel being preached “to those who are dead,” it is essential to examine the surrounding context. Here is a brief overview of the verses leading up to 1 Peter 4:6:

1 Peter 3:18–22, Christ suffered for sin, was resurrected, and ascended to His place of authority in heaven.

1 Peter 4:1, Followers of Christ must also be prepared to endure suffering in this world and view themselves as dead to sin.

1 Peter 4:2, Life should be lived according to God’s will, not the desires of the flesh.

1 Peter 4:3, Prior to their conversion, believers lived in sin like the pagans.

1 Peter 4:4, Now, believers have transformed lives, and their former associates are astonished by the change and speak ill of them.

1 Peter 4:5, Those who are not saved and are persecuting believers will answer to God, who is prepared to judge everyone.

This leads us to 1 Peter 4:6 and its declaration that the gospel was proclaimed to those who are dead. Let’s analyze the verse step by step, using the New American Standard Bible:

For the gospel serves this purpose – The message of salvation in Christ has a specific divine goal.

It was preached even to those who have died, – The gospel was proclaimed to those who have passed away, having been martyred for their faith in Christ. (The NIV and CSB add the word now before dead for clarity.)

so that though they are judged in the flesh as humans, – These believers faced physical death, a common fate for all.

they might live in the spirit according to God’s will. – Through the gospel, these martyrs now live eternally in alignment with God’s plan.

In this passage, the apostle Peter offers great hope and encouragement to believers enduring persecution for their faith. They are emulating Christ’s suffering, who also endured mistreatment by sinners. Their adversaries will face divine judgment for their wrongdoing. Their deceased companions are currently enjoying everlasting life in heaven, and they too will conquer death through the gospel’s transformative power.