1 Peter 3:21

Context

1 Peter is a letter addressed to Christians scattered across various regions of Asia Minor who were enduring suffering; it has traditionally been attributed to the apostle Peter. The passage in 3:18–22 first states that Christ died once for the unjust and was raised again. It then cites the example of the eight members of Noah's household, who were saved through water in the ark (3:20). Verse 21 links the waters of that flood to present-day baptism. Baptism, the verse explains, is not the washing away of bodily dirt but a matter of conscience toward God, and its efficacy derives from the resurrection of Christ. The passage reminds suffering readers of the meaning of the baptism they have already received.

Interpretations

• Baptism as a means of grace: The Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and Lutherans take the phrase "doth also now save us" at face value. They regard baptism as a means through which God actually bestows grace. Luther's Small Catechism teaches that baptism works forgiveness of sins and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.
• Baptism as sign and seal: The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterianism, regards baptism as a sign and seal that signifies and confirms grace. The Westminster Confession of Faith states that grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed to baptism. This tradition holds that the saving power resides not in the water but in the resurrection of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Baptism as the believer's response: Baptists give weight to the qualifying clause "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh." In this reading, baptism is a confession and pledge made before God with a good conscience by one who has already believed. The verse is also used to support believer's baptism by immersion.
• The Restoration Movement reading: Churches of Christ are known to cite this verse together with Acts 2:38 to emphasize that baptism is an act of obedience necessary for the forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Debates and Issues

• Translation: The Greek word eperōtēma used in this verse is rare. It can be understood either as "request" or "appeal" or as "pledge" or "answer." English translations likewise differ: "appeal" (ESV), "pledge" (NIV), and "answer" (KJV). In the former sense, the verse speaks of asking God for a clean conscience; in the latter, of pledging oneself to God with a good conscience.
• The meaning of "figure": The Greek word antitypon, rendered "figure," means "that which corresponds." Noah's flood is commonly interpreted as the type (a foreshadowing), with baptism as the corresponding reality.
• The verse is also cited in support of various positions in the infant baptism debate and in discussions of baptism and immersion.

Related Passages

• Romans 6:3-6
• Titus 3:5
• Acts 22:16
• Colossians 2:12