[Jesus was] “made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared” (1 Peter 3:19-20)
Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Angels announced his resurrection, and He appeared to his disciples. These, on their turn, made the good news of Jesus’ triumph known over all the earth. Today’s text tells us that the victory of Jesus Christ was also proclaimed “to the spirits in prison”. It is not easy to understand who these “spirits” are. The text tells they were disobedient to God in the days of Noah, when “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Genesis 6:5), and did not repent when God was patient with them.
Some people think these are fallen angels who are awaiting their final judgment in hell. Others consider it more likely that these are humans who have died in their disobedience and are now punished. Either way, Jesus now comes to triumph over them, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). Even his enemies have to bow down before Him. Angels, authorities, and powers are subjected to him. Jesus has conquered!
Many people died, being disobedient to God. How about you? Are you obedient to God?