¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(B) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(C) to suffer for doing good^(D) than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(E) for sins,^(F) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(G) He was put to death in the body^(H) but made alive in the Spirit.^{(I) 19} After being made alive,^[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(J)— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(K) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(L) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(M) were saved^(N) through water,

The Death of Jesus^(A)

⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness^(B) came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,^[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^[b](C)

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar,^(D) put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.^(E)

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple^(F) was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split^{(G) 52} and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[c] went into the holy city^(H) and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding^(I) Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”^(J)

⁵⁵ Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.^(K)