WHICH PREPOSITION IS CONSISTENT IN CONTEXT OF FIRST PETER 3:18-19? (DID GOD DIE?)

By Dr. Eusebio Tanicala

Photo by guille pozzi on Unsplash

This lesson is important in defending our stand about the Deity-Humanity of Christ against the interpretation of Muslims and the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). The objection of Muslims is expressed in their question: "How can God die?" This query stems from the Quranic doctrine, which states that Christ Jesus is a created being and a mere Messenger. He started to exist as a person when the Virgin Mary gave birth to Him in Bethlehem in 1 Anno Domini (AD) or 622 Before Higira (BH). Among Muslims, their prophet Muhammad is even higher in rank than Christ Jesus.

The Greek text is θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ ζωοποιηθεὶς δὲ πνεύματι·ἐν ᾧ καὶ τοῖς ἐν φυλακῇ πνεύμασιν πορευθεὶς ἐκήρυξεν (Anglicized pronunciation is Thanatotheis men sarki zoopoietheis de pneumati. en ho kai tois en phylake pneumasi poreutheis ekeryxen.)

English Translations:

1. "...He was put to death in the flesh, but brought to life by the Spirit, by whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison." (McCord, a church member)

2. "...being put to death in the flesh but made alive in spirit; In which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison." (Littrell, a church member)

3. "...His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit. And in the spirit, he went and preached to the spirits in prison." (Easy-to-Read Version)

4. "...having been put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison." (NASB)

5. "...being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison." (NKJV)

6. "...being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison." (ESV)

In interpreting the above passage, we must bring in our interpretation of Isaiah 7:14 & Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Colossians 2:9 & Hebrews 10:5; John 1:1-3; 1:14 and John 17:1-5.

Questions:

1. What was put to death?

2. When did the journey to the prison take place?

3. In what form did Christ go to proclaim/preach?

4. What did Christ proclaim/preach?

5. Does the passage teach a "second chance to rebellious spirits"?

In discussing with Muslims, make them understand that Christ existed as a spiritual person before becoming human. He existed with the Father in glorious surroundings before the creation of the heavens and the earth in Genesis 1:1.

[ET.5July2024]