Was the Gospel Preached to the Dead? – Understanding 1 Peter 4:6

Does Peter tell us the gospel was preached to the dead? 1 Peter 4:6 presents a theological complexity that warrants careful examination. It reads, “For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.”

In dissecting this verse, we should acknowledge its complexity and the various interpretations it may yield. One plausible interpretation, held by men like John Calvin, links this verse to the mention of Jesus preaching to spirits in prison in chapter 3, verse 19. That would require a specific interpretation of that verse, many of which exist. R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, Robert Leighton, and many others diverge from Calvin’s interpretation.

There are various opinions here, but the “preaching to the dead” mentioned in chapter 4 does not seem to link back to the mention of the “preaching to spirits” in chapter 3. The verse does not explicitly state that Jesus was the one who preached to these dead people, nor does it say they were deceased at the time of hearing the gospel. Moreover, the verse suggests that these individuals believed the gospel when they heard it and now “live in the spirit the way God does.”

It seems most accurate to say this verse implies that the gospel was preached to people who believed it and had since died. There would be no scriptural reason to preach to the dead because the Bible is clear; “It is appointed once for men to die, and then the judgment.” There are no intermediate opportunities for salvation. Peter is reminding the current readers that the power of the gospel in our lives does not end at death. 

The phrase “judged in the flesh the way people are” presents the most significant challenge. There are at least three alternative interpretations. Firstly, it could mean that the world judged and maligned these believers for not living in sin like the rest of the fallen world. This reading is a strong contender since that is what Peter tells us precisely in the two preceding verses. Secondly, it could mean these believers might have judged themselves as dead to sin and pursued holiness, which verse 1 of this chapter implies. Lastly, it might refer to their physical death, a fate all humans share. This third option seems the most likely based on context, but it is hard to be dogmatic.

Regardless of which of these options is accurate, the heart of the matter is that it was all done so they might live in the spirit. Those who faced the world’s judgment endured suffering to pursue Christ—a much greater reward. We must have the same mind as Christ and be willing to suffer to put away sin. Others, having judged themselves as dead to sin, did so to pursue spiritual life. They lived a life of self-denial to be living sacrifices for their God. And finally, if the phrase refers to physical death, it ultimately delivers us to eternal life with God.

The following verse reminds us, “The end of all things is at hand.” Whether it be the return of Christ or our death, Peter tells us this to urge his readers to focus on matters of the soul and to be people of prayer. It echoes the timeless question posed by Jesus: “What does it profit if you gain the whole world yet lose your soul?” Indeed, for believers, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Despite physical death, believers find life in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 4:6 offers a profound reflection on the enduring power of the gospel in any situation. It challenges believers to set their minds on spiritual things, for the things of the world are passing away. The spiritual life we need can only be found in Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, and even physical death cannot end that life.

-D. Eaton