Let's look at verse six: 1 Peter 4:6 "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." Looking at this passage in context to the scripture, we see in 1 Peter 1:6-7 we are told that we are grieved by the various trials and Peter encourages us that they last only for a little while. In 1 Peter 2:18-25 we have the case of Christian household slaves being unjustly punished because of their Christian testimony. In 1 Peter 3:8-17 we are instructed how to behave when undergoing persecution. So you can see the theme of suffering for Christ.
Here in verse six Peter is reminding us of the Christians who had been martyred for their faith.
The words "them that are dead," refer to Christian believers who had died. The gospel had been preached to them and they had become Christians. As a result of this they had been judged according to men while they were on earth. This judgment was in the form of persecution because of their Christian testimony. We may suffer persecution for our beliefs, but we know that God is there working for our good, we do not need to fear what man will do to us.
When we go through these trials Peter has encouraged us to know that it is only for a little while.
Christ's return is imminent and Peter explains that the shortness of time remaining should motivate us to strive to live godly lives.
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