The writer offers in verse 18 the basis for all that follows in
today’s passage—Christ’s suffering that led to resurrection
and new life for us. Verses 19-20 lend themselves to varying
interpretations. Martin Luther indicated that he couldn’t say
with certainty what the writer meant! (Luther, Commentary
on Peter and Jude, p. 166) Verse 19 brings to mind the creedal
tradition of the church in Christ’s preaching to those in prison
and attending to the souls who died in the flood. No one lies
beyond God’s redemption! Perhaps the best application is this:
Christians follow Christ’s example by living upright lives in the
face of difficulty or opposition. We can do this with confidence
because of Christ’s actions.

The righteous (Christ) died for the unrighteous (believers).
Just as the original recipients of these verses are to maintain a life
of holiness in the midst of opposition, so are we. What does that
mean in a world divided over cultural and societal issues, crippled
by fear of threats and terrorism, plagued by fractured communication,
and filled with hate and distrust? We recall verse 14:
“Do not fear what [the world] fear[s] and do not be intimidated.”
And we go back to our sure redemption through Christ’s
self-sacrifice—suffering, death, and resurrection.

Verses 21-22 move from the image of rescue from the Flood
in verse 20 to the image of baptism. As we recall our baptism
we are challenged to remember our salvation and the impact of
that salvation on our lives. Again we are led back to the charge
that new life in Christ calls us to lead lives of holiness in the
midst of opposition!