Christ’s Proclamation to the Spirits: A Study of 1 Peter 3:18–4:6

by William Joseph Dalton

Publisher:

Pontifical Biblical Institute

, 1989

Overview

Christ’s Proclamation to the Spirits is a scholarly work particularly noted for its methodology. This second edition takes into account the great deal of work bearing on the interpretation of 1 Peter 3:18–4:6 since the volume’s initial publication in 1965. This includes modifications to the author’s original interpretation, though a substantial amount has been retained.

The work contains a chapter on the authorship of 1 Peter. This involves a discussion of New Testament pseudepigraphy. This approach has made it feasible to find a link between 1 Peter and Peter the apostle. It clearly emerges that 1 Peter, as a precious witness to the faith of the early church, has its own theology and literary presentation. Within this framework, the difficult texts of 3:19 and 4:6 have to be interpreted.

In the Logos edition, all Scripture passages in Christ’s Proclamation to the Spirits are tagged and appear on mouseover, and all Scripture passages link to your favorite Bible translation in your library. With Logos’ advanced features, you can perform powerful searches by topic or Scripture reference—finding, for example, every mention of “salvation” or “baptism.”

Key Features

• Study of the structure of 1 Peter
• Discussion of New Testament pseudepigraphy
• Examination of the authorship of 1 Peter

Contents

Top Highlights

“It was Gschwind who seems to have been the first to propose that Christ made his proclamation to the spirits on the occasion of his ascension.” (Page 20)

“On the contrary, πνεῦμα is the normal word found in the New Testament to designate a spirit in the sense of a superhuman being.” (Page 153)

“profound differences. In 2:20b, the value of Christian suffering is taken” (Page 126)

“In our study of 1 Pet 3:19, it was seen that the text deals, not with Christ’s preaching to the souls of the dead, but with his proclamation of victory to the rebellious angels.” (Page 190)

“The writer is interested in the victory of Christ and the subjugation of the spirits as part of the story of the salvation of human beings. The idea of a proclamation aimed at converting the rebellious spirits is far from his mind.” (Pages 48–49)

Product Details

• Title: Christ’s Proclamation to the Spirits: A Study of 1 Peter 3:18–4:6
• Author: William Joseph Dalton
• Publisher: Pontifical Biblical Institute
• Publication Date: 1989
• Pages: 276

About William Joseph Dalton

William Joseph Dalton has taught Scripture in Australia and in many other lands, returning as Professor to the Pontifical Biblical Institute and continuing as Director of that institute’s branch in Jerusalem. He has been visiting professor on four occasions in the U.S.A. In 1985 he was invited to participate in the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops as theologian. He has published a number of books and articles, mainly in the area of 1 Peter and Pauline studies.