Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter Part 16 -- By: John Henry Bennetch

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 101:403 (Jul 1944)
Article: Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter Part 16
Author: John Henry Bennetch


Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter
Part 16

John Henry Bennetch

(Continued from the April-June Number, 1944)

1 Peter 3:21 reveals the significance of baptism. As noticed earlier, Peter is commenting upon persecution and using for his third argument in favor of endurance, unjust though the matter be, the fact that such experiences may lie in the will of God for His people (verses 17–22). Even Christ, the beloved Son of God, passed through sore trials when following Heaven’s will. From mentioning Christ and His death the apostle proceeded to evidence of the success achieved by Calvary. Noah and his generation are made a case in point, after which the writer is ready to confront his fellow believers again. There seems to be no difficulty in making the transition from Noah to thoughts of baptism, since verse 21 will affirm: ”...which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (A.S.V.). Observe how full a comparison has been drawn between the Flood and baptism:

(the type)

“the antitype” (A.S.V. marg.)

“eight souls”

“you” (A.S.V.)

“in the days of Noah”

“now”

“were saved”

“save”

“through water” (A.S.V.)

“baptism doth”

not being “disobedient”

“not...the flesh”

(but obedient)

“but...a good conscience”

“when...God waited”

“toward God”

and Christ “preached”

“by...Jesus Christ”

Verse 21 is joined with the thought preceding as a clause

explanatory of water, the te...

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