1 Peter 3:18-22

New International Reader's Version

¹⁸ Christ also suffered once for sins. The one who did what is right suffered for those who don’t do right. He suffered to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought him back to life. ¹⁹ After that, Christ went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison. ²⁰ Long ago these spirits did not obey. That was when God was patient while Noah was building the ark. And only a few people went into the ark. In fact, there were only eight. Those eight people were saved through water. ²¹ The water of the flood is a picture. It is a picture of the baptism that now saves you too. This baptism has nothing to do with removing dirt from your body. Instead, it promises God that you will keep a clear sense of right and wrong. This baptism saves you by the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. ²² He has gone into heaven. He is at God’s right hand. Angels, authorities and powers are under his control.