“The reason the gospel was preached” is to bring individuals to a saving relationship with Jesus. It is the way, God has provided, for mankind to be reached with the gospel. The purpose of preaching the gospel is to lead people to Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which mankind will be saved except through Jesus Christ. The gospel is more than just the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It actually takes the whole Bible to tell the complete story of the counsel of God in providing salvation through His Son. Times may change, but preaching the gospel will never change.
“Who are now dead” is where part of the difficulty in understanding what Peter wrote is. Even though there have been several interpretations given by scholars the one which fits best in the whole contents is described by the word “now”. This tells us the individual was once alive but is now dead. Therefore, the individual had the gospel preached to him and had accepted salvation through Jesus Christ before dying.
Such individuals “might be judged according to men in regard to the body”. Jesus was judged by men as being a blasphemer because He said He is the Son of God, resulting in being put to death. The fact is Jesus was and is the Son of God and He willing let man crucify Him to provide salvation for each one of us. Reading between the lines indicates these individuals may very well have been martyrs for Christ. They were judged according to man’s view and found guilty resulting in their death. Persecution was most likely taking place at the time Peter wrote this letter. It would have been encouragement to the Christians receiving it for they would have realized the physical death of their fellow Christian was not the end, but the beginning of eternity with Jesus Christ. Physical death will not take away your faith in Jesus Christ.
Individual Christians who “live according to God in regard to the Spirit” show God made them alive. To understand this fully is to realize an individual faithfully living for God will be received into heaven. Just because evil men have destroyed the flesh, they can not destroy the spirit. You ought to be encouraged knowing that no matter what situation you may find yourself in, if Christ is your Lord and Savior you are not alone; for the Spirit that dwells within you will guide you. Remember, your relationship with Jesus Christ is the key. CONSIDER AND THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY AND THEN TAKE ACTION!!!