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For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead[a] that, though condemned in the flesh in human estimation, they might live in the spirit in the estimation of God.

Christian Charity.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 4:6 The dead: these may be the sinners of the flood generation who are possibly referred to in 1 Pt 3:19. But many scholars think that there is no connection between these two verses, and that the dead here are Christians who have died since hearing the preaching of the gospel.
  2. 4:7–11 The inner life of the eschatological community is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one’s gifts for the glory of God and of Christ.

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(A) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

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