1 Peter 4: 6 Being judged by God

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!
^{1 Peter 4: 6} For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

   If you just stop and read this you will garner a lot of information.  First, the true word of God was preached to all.  Now, when it says even to those who are now dead this seems to refer back to earlier passages when Peter has already told us that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, preaching a message of judgment (1 Peter 3:19).  Jesus also preached a message of salvation to the faithful dead in Abraham's Bosom (Luke 16:22) who anticipated the work of the Messiah for them.  When this is speaking of 'who are now dead', I don't believe this was a second chance at salvation, but rather the culmination of those who have been faithful.  A thought here is that the faithful in God were being held in, if you will, "limbo" and when Jesus returned they were no longer held captive. Here are some scriptures that may help. (Psalm 66:18; Ephesians 4:8) (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18).

  Here is a final thought by David Cuzik: " It may also be that Peter here referred to those in the Christian community who had already died, perhaps even dying as martyrs. If this is the case, Peter used their heroic example as a way to encourage his suffering readers to also be faithful."

   I would enjoy hearing from you concerning this verse. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny