Who were the "spirits in prison" that Jesus preached to as mentioned in 1 Peter 3: 18-20?

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Who were the "spirits in prison" that Jesus preached to as mentioned in 1 Peter 3

18-20?

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The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:19 that Jesus "preached to the spirits in prison" through the power of God's Spirit and that these spirits had been disobedient. "Spirits" refers to angels. Which angels disobeyed? Biblical history shows that Lucifer initially rebelled against God, at which time he became "Satan" or the opponent of God (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-16). He subsequently drew a third of the angelic creation into mutiny against God (Revelation 12:4).

When these formerly righteous spirits rebelled, they became demons. We learn more about these spirits and their "prison" in 2 Peter 2:4. The word translated "hell" in this verse is from the Greek word tartarus, which doesn't mean "hell" in the way that people today commonly think of it. Rather, it means a place of restraint—that is, a prison. (You can find more about the biblical teachings about hell in our booklet Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach?)

These fallen angels turned from their purpose of serving God and humanity (Hebrews 1:13-14); their rebellion reduced them to hatred and bitterness toward God and His holy purpose for humanity. Their place of restraint is this earth, until God deals with them further in the future.

Putting this information together with 1 Peter 3:20, Jesus apparently confronted these rebellious spirits at the time of Noah's Flood. The Bible doesn't reveal why He did this.

We also publish a booklet that explains the details of Satan's origin, his influence on mankind and his destiny, Is There Really a Devil?

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Comments

  • tochis

    Okay, I thought the souls in prison were those in the Old testament, prior to the LAMB's sacrifice being offered to the world . So that "all MAN" had a chance to accept salvation through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. ????

  • bonzo

    Satan is so jealous of God he really loves him but sulks in a world of destruction and God is trying to make him understand that is not good for him. God is the almighty one and I am blessed to be in his life and he loves everyone

  • Matoronald

    Thanx 4 the xpalation tht wz get. U ple are the best.

  • bonzo

    The spirits in prison are the ones that Jesus tried to save or love but they chose Satan and God loves satan even though he doesn't know it or he knows it and continue to be a spoilt child

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