1 Peter 3

In like manner ( ομοιως ). Adverb closely connected with  υποτασσομενο, for which see 2:18.

Ye wives ( γυναικες ). Without article. About wives see also Col 3:18; Eph 5:22; Tit 2:4.

To your own husbands ( τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν ).  Ιδιοις occurs also in Ephesians and Titus, but not in Colossians. It strengthens the idea of possession in the article  τοις. Wives are not enjoined to be in subjection to the husbands of other women, as some think it fine to be (affinities!)

Even if any obey not the word ( κα ε τινες απειθουσιν τω λογω ). Condition of first class and dative case of  λογος (1:23,25; 2:8), that is, remain heathen.

That they be gained ( ινα κερδηθησοντα ). Purpose clause with  ινα and first future passive indicative of  κερδαινω, old verb, to gain (from  κερδος, gain, interest) as in Mt 18:15. See the future with  ινα also in Lu 20:10; Re 3:9.

Without the word ( ανευ λογου ). Probably here "word from their wives" (Hart), the other sense of  λογος (talk, not technical "word of God").

By the behaviour of their wives ( δια της των γυναικων αναστροφης ). Won by pious living, not by nagging. Many a wife has had this blessed victory of grace.

Beholding ( εποπτευσαντες ). First aorist active participle of  εποπτευω, for which see 2:12. See 2:12 also for  αναστροφην manner of life).

Chaste ( αγνην ). Pure because "in fear" ( εν φοβω ), no word in the Greek for "coupled," fear of God, though in Eph 5:33 fear (reverence for) of the husband is urged.

Whose adorning ( ων κοσμος ). Genitive plural of the relative referring to  γυναικων (wives).  Κοσμος has here its old meaning of ornament (cf. our cosmetics), not the common one of world (Joh 17:5) considered as an orderly whole. Mundus in Latin is used in this double sense (ornament, world).

Let it be ( εστω ). Imperative third singular of  ειμ. Not the outward adorning of plaiting the hair ( ουχ ο εξωθεν εμπλοκης τριχων ). The use of  ουχ here rather than  μη (usual negative with the imperative) because of the sharp contrast in verse 4 ( αλλ' ). The old adverb  εξωθεν (from without) is in the attributive position like an adjective.  Εμπλοκη is a late word (from  εμπλεκω, to inweave, 2Ti 2:4; 2Pe 2:20) in Strabo, but often in the papyri for struggle as well as plaiting, here only in N.T.

Of wearing ( περιθεσεως ). Late and rare word (Galen, Arrian) from  περιτιθημ (Mt 27:28), to put around, a placing around. Ornaments of gold were worn round the hair as nets and round the finger, arm, or ankle.

Or of putting on ( ενδυσεως ). Old word from  ενδυω (to put on), here only in N.T. Peter is not forbidding the wearing of clothes and ornaments by women, but the display of finery by contrast. Cf. 1Ti 2:9-13; Isa 3:16ff.

But the hidden man of the heart ( αλλ' ο κρυπτος της καρδιας ανθρωπος ). Here  ανθρωπος is in contrast with  κοσμος just before. See Paul's use of  ανθρωπος for the outer and old, the inner and new man (2Co 4:16; Ro 7:22; Col 3:9; Eph 3:16; 4:22,24). See also the Jew  εν κρυπτω (Ro 2:29) and what Jesus said about God seeing "in secret" (Mt 6:4,6).

In the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit ( εν τω αφθαρτω του ησυχιου κα πραεως πνευματος ). No word in the Greek for "apparel" ( κοσμω ). For  αφθαρτος see 1:4,23. For  πραυς see Mt 5:5; 11:29.  Πνευμα (spirit) is here disposition or temper (Bigg), unlike any other use in the N.T. In 3:18,19; 4:6 it means the whole inner man as opposed to  σαρξ or  σωμα, very much as  ψυχη is used as opposed to  σωμα.

Which ( ο ). Spirit just mentioned.

Of great price ( πολυτελες ). Old word (from  πολυ and  τελος, cost), in N.T. only here, Mr 14:3; 1Ti 2:9.

Adorned themselves ( εκοσμουν εαυτας ). Imperfect active of customary action, "used to adorn themselves."  Κοσμεω is old verb from  κοσμος in the sense in verse 3. See Heb 11:11,35 for like tribute to holy women of the O.T. The participle  υποτασσομενα repeats verse 1.

As Sarah ( ως Σαρρα ).

Obeyed Abraham ( υπηκουεν τω Αβρααμ ). Imperfect active of  υπακουω, "used to obey" (with dative).

Calling him lord ( κυριον αυτον καλουσα ). Present active participle of  καλεω. See Gen 18:12.

Whose children ye now are ( ης εγενηθητε τεκνα ). First aorist passive indicative of  γινομα, "whose children ye became."

If ye do well ( αγαθοποιουσα ). Present active feminine plural participle of  αγαθοποιεω (2:15), "doing good."

And are not put in fear by any terror ( κα μη φοβουμενα μηδεμιαν πτοησιν ). Free quotation from Pr 3:25, "and not fearing any terror" (cognate accusative of  πτοησις, after  φοβουμενα, present middle participle, late and rare word from  πτοεω, to terrify, as in Lu 21:9, here only in N.T.). Perhaps Peter regards Sarah's falsehood as the yielding to a sudden terror (Hart). Hannah could also be named along with Sarah. The women somehow do not organize "daughters of Sarah" societies.

Ye husbands likewise ( ο ανδρες ομοιως ). Probably "likewise" here refers to honouring all men (2:17), not "likewise" of 3:1.

Dwell with ( συνοικουντες ). Present active participle of  συνοικεω, old verb for domestic association, here only in N.T. Used as imperative here like the participle in 2:18; 3:1.

According to knowledge ( κατα γνωσιν ). "With an intelligent recognition of the nature of the marriage relation" (Vincent).

Giving honour unto the woman as unto the weaker vessel ( ως ασθενεστερω σκευε τω γυναικειω απονεμοντες τιμην ). Present active participle of  απονεμω, old verb, to assign, to portion out (or off), here only in N.T.  Σκευος is an old and common word for vessel, furniture, utensil (Mt 12:29; 2Ti 2:20). Here both husband and wife are termed vessels or "parts of the furniture of God's house" (Bigg). See Paul's use of  σκευος for ministers (2Co 4:7).  Γυναικειω here is an adjective (female, feminine) from  γυνη (woman, wife). She is termed "the weaker" ( τω ασθενεστερω ), not for intellectual or moral weakness, but purely for physical reasons, which the husband must recognize with due consideration for marital happiness.

Joint-heirs of the grace of life ( συνκληρονομο χαριτος ζωης ). Late double compound found in an Ephesian inscription and the papyri, in N.T. only here, Ro 8:17; Eph 3:6; Heb 11:9. God's gift of life eternal belongs to woman as well as to man. In the eyes of God the wife may be superior to the husband, not merely equal.

To the end that your prayers be not hindered ( εις το μη εγκοπτεσθα τας προσευχας υμων ). Purpose clause with  εις το and the present passive infinitive (with negative  μη ) of  εγκοπτω, to cut in, to interrupt, late verb (Polybius), as in Ro 15:22, etc. Very vivid to us now with our telephones and radios when people cut in on us.  Προσευχας (prayers) is the accusative of general reference. Husbands surely have here cause to consider why their prayers are not answered.

Finally ( το τελος ). Adverbial accusative. Conclusion, not of the Epistle, but only of the addresses to various classes. No verb ( εστε imperative, be) here.

Likeminded ( ομοφρονες ). Old compound ( ομοσ, φρην ), here only in N.T.

Compassionate ( συμπαθεις ). Old adjective ( συν, πασχω ), in N.T. only here and Ro 12:15. Our "sympathetic" in original sense.

Loving as brethren ( φιλαδελφο ). Old compound ( φιλοσ, αδελφος ), here only in N.T.

Tender-hearted ( ευσπλαγχνο ). Late and rare compound ( ευ and  σπλαγχνον ), in Hippocrates, Apocrypha, in N.T. only here and Eph 4:32.

Humble minded ( ταπεινοφρονες ). Late compound ( ταπεινοσ, φρην ), in Plutarch, Pr 29:23, here only in N.T.

Not rendering evil for evil ( μη αποδιδοντες κακον αντ κακου ).  Μη and the present active participle of  αποδιδωμ, to give back. The same phrase in Ro 12:17 and the same idea in 1Th 5:15. Peter may have obtained it from Paul or both from Pr 17:13; 20:22, "an approximation to Christ's repeal of the  λεξ ταλιονις (Mt 5:38ff.) which Plato first opposed among the Greeks" (Hart). Common use of  αντ for exchange.

Reviling for reviling ( λοιδοριαν αντ λοιδοριας ). Allusion to 2:23 (Christ's own example).

But contrariwise blessing ( τουναντιον δε ευλογουντες ). Adverbial accusative and crasis ( το εναντιον ) of the neuter article and the adjective  εναντιος ( εν, αντιος, opposite, Mt 14:24), "on the contrary." For  ευλογουντες (present active participle of  ευλογεω ) see Lu 6:28; Ro 12:14 (imperative  ευλογειτε ).

For hereunto were ye called ( οτ εις τουτο εκληθητε ). See 2:21 for this verb and use of  εις τουτο (pointing to the preceding argument).

That ye should inherit a blessing ( ινα ευλογιαν κληρονομησητε ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of  κληρονομεω, a plain reference to Esau, who wanted "to inherit the blessing" (Heb 12:17) after he had sold his birthright. Christians are the new Israel (both Gentiles and Jews) and are the spiritual descendants of Isaac (Ga 4:22ff.).

For ( γαρ ). Reason for the entire exhortation in verses 8,9 and introducing in verses 10-12 a quotation from Ps 34:13-17 with some slight changes.

Would love life ( θελων ζωην αγαπαιν ). "Wishing to love life." This present life. The LXX expressions are obscure Hebraisms. The LXX has  αγαπων (participle present active of  αγαπαω, not the infinitive  αγαπαιν.

Let him refrain ( παυσατω ). Third person singular first aorist active imperative of  παυω to make stop, whereas the LXX has  παυσον (second person singular).

His tongue ( την γλωσσαν ). See Jas 3:1-12.

That they speak no guile ( του μη λαλησα δολον ). Purpose clause with genitive article  του (negative  μη ) and the first aorist active infinitive of  λαλεω. But it can also be explained as the ablative case with the redundant negative  μη after a verb of hindering ( παυσατω ) like Lu 4:42. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 1061. "Let him refrain his lips from speaking guile."

Let him turn away ( εκκλινατω ). First aorist active imperative third person singular of  εκκλινω, where the LXX has  εκκλινον (second person singular). Old verb, in N.T. only here, Ro 3:12; 16:17. Peter adapted the passage all through to his own construction and use. So as to  ποιησατω (let him do) for  ποιησον (do thou),  ζητησατω (let him seek) for  ζητησον (do thou seek),  διωξατω (let him pursue) for  διωξον (do thou pursue), all first aorist active imperatives (of  ποιεω, ζητεω, διωκω ). See Heb 12:14 for "pursuing peace." If men only did!

Upon ( επ ). In the case of righteous ( δικαιους, in the O.T. sense like  δικαιον Λοτ in 2Pe 2:7) for their good, but in the case of men "that do evil" ( επ ποιουντας κακα, "upon men doing evil things") "the face of the Lord" ( προσωπον κυριου ) is not for their good,  επ here approaching "against" in idea.

That will harm you ( ο κακωσων υμας ). Future active articular participle of  κακοω, old verb (from  κακος, bad) as in Ac 7:6,19. Any real hurt, either that wishes to harm you or that can harm. See the words in Isa 50:9.

If ye be ( εαν γενησθε ). Rather, "if ye become" (condition of third class with  εαν and second aorist middle subjunctive of  γινομα ).

Zealous of that which is good ( του αγαθου ζηλωτα ). "Zealots for the good" (objective genitive after  ζηλωτα (zealots, not zealous), old word from  ζηλοω (1Co 12:12).

But and if ye should suffer ( αλλ' ε κα πασχοιτε ). "But if ye should also (or even) suffer." Condition of the fourth class with  ε and the optative (undetermined with less likelihood), a rare condition in the vernacular Koine, since the optative was a dying mode. If matters, in spite of the prophetic note of victory in verse 13, should come to actual suffering "for righteousness' sake" ( δια δικαιοσυνην ) as in Mt 5:10 ( ενεκεν, not  δια ), then "blessed" ( μακαριο, the very word of Jesus there which see, a word meaning "happy," not  ευλογητο ) "are ye" (not in the Greek). If the conclusion were expressed regularly, it would be  ειητε αν (ye would be), not  εστε (ye are). It is interesting to note the third-class condition in verse 13 just before the fourth-class one in verse 14.

Fear not their fear ( τον φοβον αυτων μη φοβηθητε ). Prohibition with  μη and the first aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive of  φοβεομα, to fear, and the cognate accusative  φοβον (fear, terror). "Do not fear their threats" (Bigg). Quotation from Isa 8:12f.

Neither be troubled ( μηδε ταραξθητε ). Prohibition with  μηδε and the first aorist (ingressive) subjunctive of  ταρασσω, to disturb (Mt 2:6; Joh 12:27). Part of the same quotation. Cf. 3:6.

Sanctify ( αγιασατε ). First aorist active imperative of  αγιαζω. This instead of being afraid.

Christ as Lord ( κυριον τον Χριστον ).  Τον Χριστον, direct object with article and  κυριον predicate accusative (without article). This is the correct text, not  τον θεον of the Textus Receptus. An adaptation to Christ of Isa 8:13.

Being ready always ( ετοιμο αε ). No participle in the Greek, old adjective (Tit 3:1).

To give answer ( προς απολογιαν ). "For an apology," the old sense of  απολογια, an answer back, a defence (not excuse), as in Ac 22:1, from  απολογεομα to defend (not to apologize).

A reason concerning the hope that is in you ( λογον περ της εν υμιν ελπιδος ). Original sense of  λογον (accusative of the thing with  αιτουντ with  υμας, accusative of the person) "concerning the in you hope." Ready with a spoken defence of the inward hope. This attitude calls for an intelligent grasp of the hope and skill in presenting it. In Athens every citizen was expected to be able to join in the discussion of state affairs.

Yet with meekness and fear ( αλλα μετα πραυτητος κα φοβου ). Of God (2:18; 3:2,4), not of man.

Having a good conscience ( συνειδησιν εχοντες αγαθην ). Present active participle of  εχω. See 2:18 for  συνειδησιν and 3:21 for  συνειδησις αγαθη again ("a quasi-personification," Hart).

That they may be put to shame ( ινα καταισχυνθωσιν ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the first aorist passive subjunctive of  καταισχυνω, old verb, to put to shame (Lu 13:17; 1Pe 2:6).

Wherein ye are spoken against ( εν ω καταλαλεισθε ). Present passive indicative of  καταλαλεω, for which see 2:12 with  εν ω also. Peter may be recalling (Hart) his own experience at Pentecost when the Jews first scoffed and others were cut to the heart (Ac 2:13,37).

Who revile ( ο επηρεαζοντες ). Articular present active participle of  επηρεαζω, old verb (from  επηρεια, spiteful abuse), to insult, in N.T. only here and Lu 6:28.

In Christ ( εν Χριστω ). Paul's common mystical phrase that Peter has three times (here, 5:10,14), not in John, though the idea is constantly in John. Peter here gives a new turn (cf. 2:12) to  αναστροφη (manner of life). "Constantly the apostle repeats his phrases with new significance and in a new light" (Bigg).

Better ( κρειττον ). Comparative of  κρατυς as in 2Pe 2:21; Heb 1:4. Patient endurance not only silences calumny (verse 16), is Christlike (verse 18), but it has a value of its own (verse 17).

If the will of God should so will ( ε θελο το θελημα του θεου ). Condition of the fourth class again ( ει--θελο ) with  ε and the optative. For a like pleonasm see Joh 7:17.

For well-doing than for evil-doing ( αγαθοποιουντας η κακοποιουντας ). Accusative plural agreeing with  υμας understood (accusative of general reference with the infinitive  πασχειν (to suffer) of the participles from  αγαθοποιεω (see 2:15) and  κακοποιεω (Mr 3:4, and see 1Pe 2:14 for  κακοποιος ).

Because Christ also died ( οτ κα Χριστος απεθανεν ). So the best MSS.; later ones  επαθεν (suffered). The example of Christ should stir us to patient endurance.

For sins ( περ αμαρτιων ). "Concerning sins" (not his, but ours, 1:18).  Περ (around, concerning) with  αμαρτιας in the regular phrase for the sin offering (Le 5:7; 6:30), though  υπερ αμαρτιας does occur (Eze 43:25). So in the N.T. we find both  περ αμαρτιων (Heb 5:3) and  υπερ αμαρτιων (Heb 5:1).

Once ( απαξ ). Once for all (Heb 9:28), not once upon a time ( ποτε ).

The righteous for the unrighteous ( δικαιος υπερ αδικων ). Literally, "just for unjust" (no articles). See 1Pe 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ's blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.

That he might bring us to God ( ινα ημας προσαγαγη τω θεω ). Purpose clause with  ινα, with second aorist active subjunctive of  προσαγω and the dative case  τω θεω. The MSS. vary between  ημας (us) and  υμας (you). The verb  προσαγω means to lead or bring to (Mt 18:24), to approach God (cf.  προσαγωγην in Eph 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Ro 3:25; Heb 10:19f.)

Being put to death in the flesh ( θανατωθεις μεν σαρκ ). First aorist passive participle of  θανατοω, old verb (from  θανατος death), to put to death.  Σαρκ is locative case of  σαρξ.

But quickened in the spirit ( ζωοποιηθεις δε πνευματ ). First aorist passive participle of  ζωοποιεω rare (Aristotle) verb (from  ζωοποιος making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to  απεθανεν, but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but "was endued with new and greater powers of life" (Thayer). See 1Co 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word  πνευματ (locative case) in contrast with  σαρκ starts Peter's mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from verses 19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle.

In which also ( εν ω κα ). That is, in spirit (relative referring to  πνευματ ). But, a number of modern scholars have followed Griesbach's conjecture that the original text was either  Νωε κα (Noah also), or  Ενωχ κα (Enoch also), or  εν ω κα Ενωχ (in which Enoch also) which an early scribe misunderstood or omitted  Ενωχ κα in copying ( ομοιοτελευτον ). It is allowed in Stier and Theile's Polyglott. It is advocated by J. Cramer in 1891, by J. Rendel Harris in The Expositor (1901), and Sidelights on N.T. Research (p. 208), by Nestle in 1902, by Moffatt's New Translation of the New Testament. Windisch rejects it as inconsistent with the context. There is no manuscript for the conjecture, though it would relieve the difficulty greatly. Luther admits that he does not know what Peter means. Bigg has no doubt that the event recorded took place between Christ's death and his resurrection and holds that Peter is alluding to Christ's Descensus ad Inferos in Ac 2:27 (with which he compares Mt 27:52f.; Lu 23:34; Eph 4:9). With this Windisch agrees. But Wohlenberg holds that Peter means that Christ in his preexistent state preached to those who rejected the preaching of Noah who are now in prison. Augustine held that Christ was in Noah when he preached. Bigg argues strongly that Christ during the time between his death and resurrection preached to those who once heard Noah (but are now in prison) and offered them another chance and not mere condemnation. If so, why did Jesus confine his preaching to this one group? So the theories run on about this passage. One can only say that it is a slim hope for those who neglect or reject Christ in this life to gamble with a possible second chance after death which rests on very precarious exegesis of a most difficult passage in Peter's Epistle. Accepting the text as we have, what can we make of it?

He went and preached ( πορευθεις εκηρυξεν ). First aorist passive (deponent) participle of  πορευομα and first aorist active indicative of  κηρυσσω, the verb commonly used of the preaching of Jesus. Naturally the words mean personal action by Christ "in spirit" as illustration of his "quickening" (verse 18) whether done before his death or afterwards. It is interesting to observe that, just as the relative  εν ω here tells something suggested by the word  πνευματ (in spirit) just before, so in verse 21 the relative  ο (which) tells another illustration of the words  δι' υδατος (by water) just before. Peter jumps from the flood in Noah's time to baptism in Peter's time, just as he jumped backwards from Christ's time to Noah's time. He easily goes off at a word. What does he mean here by the story that illustrates Christ's quickening in spirit?

Unto the spirits in prison ( τοις εν φυλακη πνευμασιν ). The language is plain enough except that it does not make it clear whether Jesus did the preaching to spirits in prison at the time or to people whose spirits are now in prison, the point of doubt already discussed. The metaphorical use of  εν φυλακη can be illustrated by 2Pe 2:4; Jude 1:6; Re 20:7 (the final abode of the lost). See Heb 12:23 for the use of  πνευματα for disembodied spirits.

Which aforetime were disobedient ( απειθησασιν ποτε ). First aorist active participle of  απειθεω (for which verb see 3:20) in the dative plural agreeing with  πνευμασιν. These spirits now in prison once upon a time ( ποτε ) were disobedient (typical rebels, Hart calls them).

Waited ( απεξεδεχετο ). Imperfect middle of the double compound  απεκδεχομα, late verb, probably first by Paul (1Co 1:7), though in the apocryphal Acta Pauli (iii) and other late writings cited by Nageli (p. 43). Perfective use of the two prepositions ( απο, εκ ) to wait out to the end, as for Christ's Second Coming (Php 3:20). A hundred years apparently after the warning (Ge 5:32; 6:3; 7:6) Noah was preparing the ark and Noah as a preacher of righteousness (2Pe 2:5) forewarned the people, who disregarded it.

While the ark was a preparing ( κατασκευαζομενης κιβωτου ). Genitive absolute with present passive participle of  κατασκευαζω, old compound (Mt 11:10), for  κιβωτος (ark) see on Mt 24:38.

Wherein ( εις ην ). "Into which" (the ark).

That is ( τουτ' εστιν ). Explanatory expression like our English idiom (Ro 10:6, etc.).

Souls ( ψυχα ). Persons of both sexes (living men) as in Ac 2:41; 27:37, etc.

Were saved ( διεσωθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of  διασωζω, old compound, to bring safe through as in Ac 27:44.

Through water ( δι' υδατος ). "By means of water" as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of  δια in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Heb 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration.

Which also ( ο κα ). Water just mentioned.

After a true likeness ( αντιτυπον ). Water in baptism now as an anti-type of Noah's deliverance by water. For  βαπτισμα see on Mt 3:7. For  αντιτυπον see on Heb 9:24 (only other N.T. example) where the word is used of the earthly tabernacle corresponding ( αντιτυπα ) to the heavenly, which is the pattern ( τυπον Heb 8:5) for the earthly. So here baptism is presented as corresponding to (prefigured by) the deliverance of Noah's family by water. It is only a vague parallel, but not over-fanciful.

Doth now save you ( υμας νυν σωζε ). Simplex verb ( σωζω, not the compound  διασωζω ). The saving by baptism which Peter here mentions is only symbolic (a metaphor or picture as in Ro 6:2-6), not actual as Peter hastens to explain.

Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh ( ου σαρκος αποθεσις ρυπου ).  Αποθεσις is old word from  αποτιθημ (2:1), in N.T. only here and 2Pe 1:14.  Ρυπου (genitive of  ρυπος ) is old word (cf.  ρυπαρος, filthy, in Jas 2:2; Re 22:11), here only in N.T. (cf. Isa 3:3; 4:4). Baptism, Peter explains, does not wash away the filth of the flesh either in a literal sense, as a bath for the body, or in a metaphorical sense of the filth of the soul. No ceremonies really affect the conscience (Heb 9:13f.). Peter here expressly denies baptismal remission of sin.

But the interrogation of a good conscience toward God ( αλλα συνειδησεως αγαθης επερωτημα εις θεον ). Old word from  επερωταω (to question as in Mr 9:32; Mt 16:1), here only in N.T. In ancient Greek it never means answer, but only inquiry. The inscriptions of the age of the Antonines use it of the Senate's approval after inquiry. That may be the sense here, that is, avowal of consecration to God after inquiry, having repented and turned to God and now making this public proclamation of that fact by means of baptism (the symbol of the previous inward change of heart). Thus taken, it matters little whether  εις θεον (toward God) be taken with  επερωτημα or  συνειδησεως.

Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ( δι' αναστασεως Ιησου Χριστου ). For baptism is a symbolic picture of the resurrection of Christ as well as of our own spiritual renewal (Ro 6:2-6). See 1:3 for regeneration made possible by the resurrection of Jesus.

Having gone ( πορευθεις ). First aorist (deponent) participle (not periphrastic) of  πορευομα.

Being made subject ( υποταγεντων ). Second aorist passive participle of  υποτασσω (see 2:18; 3:1) in the genitive absolute construction.

Unto him ( αυτω ). Christ. See 1Co 15:28.

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