Keraia
1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3:21

Suffering for Righteousness · 1 Peter 3:14–22
Read 1 Peter 3

Translations

Modern
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Traditional
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Literal
…which also corresponds to the baptism now saving you, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Latin
Quod et vos nunc similis formæ salvos fecit baptisma: non carnis depositio sordium, sed conscientiæ bonæ interrogatio in Deum per resurrectionem Jesu Christi.

Original

Greek
English
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Notes

1 Peter 3:21

  • symbolizes the baptism: Peter might mean that, just as the water lifted the boat that saved Noah and his family, baptism brings believers into salvation. Or he may mean that, just as Noah and his family passed through water to reach safety, Christians pass through the waters of baptism as part of their salvation. A third possibility is that, just as the water in Noah’s day judged sin, the water of baptism shows the washing away of sin for Christians.

  • Peter does not mean that water baptism saves a person regardless of that person's inner attitude. He explains that baptism saves only as a response to God from a clean conscience (or an appeal to God for a clean conscience). In this way, he makes clear that only people who exercise faith toward God will benefit from baptism.

1 Peter 3:18–22

As in 2:21–25, Peter again points to Christ as an example for believers who suffer. Christ was righteous, yet he suffered (3:13–17). His unique work for us reminds suffering Christians that their hope and confidence rest on a secure foundation.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Baptism Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Descent into Hell Gospel Music Peter, First Letter of

Topics

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Baptism with the Holy Spirit: Renews and Cleanses the Soul Baptism: Christian Baptism: Typified Baptizing Infants Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning How to Become a Christian Infant and Adult Baptism Jesus, the Christ: Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Paying a Late Tithe The Deluge of Baptism Turning Back Types of Christ: Ark Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel