Brought Near to God

Peter has been encouraging believers to stand firm and do what is pleasing in the eyes of God even through great trials and suffering. In this text, he gives reasons for why the believer is willing to do this. Even with the obscure reference to "spirits in prison," this is all about Christ's example and work. Because Christ suffered on our behalf, we, too, must be willing to suffer to glorify God and point others to Christ's atoning work.