For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
This verse magnificently summarizes the gospel's essence and Christ's saving work. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (hoti kai Christos hapax peri hamartiōn epathen, ὅτι καὶ Χριστὸς ἅπαξ περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ἔπαθεν) employs hapax (once for all) emphasizing the finished, unrepeatable nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice—no further offering needed (Hebrews 9:26-28). He suffered "for sins" (peri hamartiōn, περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν), the preposition indicating purpose: His suffering dealt with sin's penalty. The phrase "the just for the unjust" (dikaios hyper adikōn, δίκαιος ὑπὲρ ἀδίκων) captures substitution's heart—the righteous One exchanged places with unrighteous ones, satisfying divine justice while extending mercy. The purpose clause "that he might bring us to God" (hina hymas prosagagē tō theō, ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ θεῷ) reveals atonement's ultimate goal: not merely forgiveness but reconciliation, restored relationship, access to God's presence. The paradoxical statement "being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (thanatōtheis men sarki zōopoiētheis de pneumati, θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ ζῳοποιηθεὶς δὲ πνεύματι) affirms both Christ's genuine death and supernatural resurrection—killed physically, made alive spiritually, vindicating His claims and conquering death.
Historical Context
Peter writes to suffering Christians tempted to question whether their faith is worth the cost. This verse grounds Christian suffering in Christ's redemptive suffering, providing both example and encouragement. In Roman persecution, believers faced torture and execution—Peter assures them that Christ's prior suffering secured their salvation and His resurrection guarantees their vindication. The phrase "bring us to God" would resonate powerfully with first-century readers familiar with court protocol: only authorized persons could approach rulers, while common people were kept at distance. Christ's work grants believers bold access to God's throne (Hebrews 4:16). The emphasis on Christ's once-for-all suffering counters any notion that Christians earn salvation or merit God's favor through their suffering—Christ's finished work is complete and sufficient. Peter's detailed treatment of Christ's death and resurrection reflects early apostolic preaching (kerygma) central to Christian proclamation.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding Christ's substitutionary death as 'the just for the unjust' deepen your wonder at the gospel and security in salvation?
What does it mean practically that Christ's purpose was to 'bring you to God,' and how does this access change your prayer life and relationship with the Father?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse magnificently summarizes the gospel's essence and Christ's saving work. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (hoti kai Christos hapax peri hamartiōn epathen, ὅτι καὶ Χριστὸς ἅπαξ περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ἔπαθεν) employs hapax (once for all) emphasizing the finished, unrepeatable nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice—no further offering needed (Hebrews 9:26-28). He suffered "for sins" (peri hamartiōn, περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν), the preposition indicating purpose: His suffering dealt with sin's penalty. The phrase "the just for the unjust" (dikaios hyper adikōn, δίκαιος ὑπὲρ ἀδίκων) captures substitution's heart—the righteous One exchanged places with unrighteous ones, satisfying divine justice while extending mercy. The purpose clause "that he might bring us to God" (hina hymas prosagagē tō theō, ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ θεῷ) reveals atonement's ultimate goal: not merely forgiveness but reconciliation, restored relationship, access to God's presence. The paradoxical statement "being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (thanatōtheis men sarki zōopoiētheis de pneumati, θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ ζῳοποιηθεὶς δὲ πνεύματι) affirms both Christ's genuine death and supernatural resurrection—killed physically, made alive spiritually, vindicating His claims and conquering death.