The Conquering Christ and Disobedient Demons: An Exegesis of 1 Peter 3:18-22 in Light of Jewish Traditions

This paper argues that 1 Peter 3:18–22 presents Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension as his triumph over hostile spiritual forces. By drawing on Jewish traditions preserved in Second Temple literature, especially 1 Enoch, the passage depicts Christ's proclamation of victory to the disobedient spirits associated with Genesis 6:1–4. Baptism is interpreted as a typological counterpart to Noah's deliverance through the floodwaters, assuring believers that participation in Christ secures their salvation despite present suffering. The study highlights both the apocalyptic background of the text and its pastoral purpose of encouraging suffering Christians by emphasizing Christ's victory.