translation_id: net-engnet

label: NET study note

text: Has finished with sin. The last sentence in v. 1 may refer to Christ as the one who suffered in the flesh (cf. 2:21, 23; 3:18; 4:1 a) and the latter part would then mean, “he has finished dealing with sin.” But it is more likely that it refers to the Christian who suffers unjustly (cf. 2:19-20; 3:14, 17 ). This shows that he has made a break with sin as vs. 2 describes.


text: In context the phrase those who are dead refers to those now dead who had accepted the gospel while they were still living and had suffered persecution for their faith. Though they “suffered judgment” in this earthly life (i.e., they died, in the midst of physical abuse from the ungodly), they will enjoy life from God in the spiritual, heavenly realm because of the gospel (v. 6 b). It clearly does not assume a second chance for conversion offered to unbelievers who had died; why would Peter urge people to suffer in this life for the sake of the gospel if he believed that mercy would be extended to all the dead in the hereafter (cf. 2:7-8; 4:1-5, 12-19 )?


text: The statement of v. 8 b, love covers a multitude of sins , is proverbial: It is quoted from Prov 10:12 (cf. Jas 5:20 ). It speaks of the forbearance that comes with love: Christian love is patient and forgiving toward the offenses of a fellow Christian ( Matt 18:21-22 ; 1 Cor 13:4-7 ).


text: A quotation taken from Isa 11:2 .