Definition: For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 1 Peter 4:6. It’s a really rich and layered message about forgiveness, hope, and how we should live our lives. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ – wasn't just preached to people who are alive anymore. Instead, it was also preached to those who are dead! And its purpose isn’t just to be heard, but to show us how to live a life that aligns with God. Let’s break it down word by word: “For this cause was the gospel preached” : This means the message of Jesus – about God's love and forgiveness – was being shared, even to those who were lost or didn't believe in life. “also to them that are dead” : This is the key part. It’s saying the message wasn’t just for people currently alive . It's referring to those who have died, and it’s emphasizing that this was a special, purposeful message. “that they might be judged according to men in the flesh” : This means we need to understand how God sees things – how He judges us. We aren't meant to judge people based on their lives or actions now . Instead, we are judged by God based on what we do in spirit – our relationship with Him. “but live according to God in the spirit” : This is where it gets really important! It’s not just about knowing God; it's about acting like God. It means following His will, living a life of love, kindness, and righteousness – all things that are guided by His Spirit (which we think of as God’s presence within us). So, putting it all together: The verse is saying that the message of Jesus isn't just about remembering our past lives. It’s about making a new life based on God’s love and will. It's a call to live a life that reflects God’s goodness and justice, even when we're facing challenges or death. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that God cares deeply about us, even in our final moments. It encourages us to focus on living a righteous life – a life that honors Him – regardless of where we are in the afterlife. It’s about eternal significance – being recognized and valued by God because we live according to His will. In short, it's a message of hope and a powerful encouragement to live a life that points towards God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related passage from the Bible? Answer any specific questions you have about it?