Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/21/2006

Question
I am stumped in 1 Peter 3:19-20.  It says that Jesus went to Hades to preach to the spirits of the evil doers.  I have read at least four commentaries on this and they all say about the same thing.  I  understand that Christ was in Noah and Noah preached to the evil doers in Noahs day.  What is not addressed in these commentaries is the fact that Christ went to Hades to preach to the spirits.  Where does the part about Hades fit into the commentary?  If Christ went to Hades to preach, how can that be in the days of Noah?
I guess I am really confused on this one.  I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi David,

I am sorry for this late response.  I believe that Jesus really did go into Hell and preached to the condemned there.  We know that everyone will bow to Jesus, even the things under the earth ( those in Hell).

Philippians 2:9-10
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I am not sure how Noah enters into that...I think that simply put Jesus preached in Hell...this passage has nothing to do with Noah.  Noah was mentioned to show that God was very patient waiting for repentance on the part of those who heard him preach.

I hope that this helps you.

In CHrist
Pastor Don