As Christians suffer in this world, it is very comforting to know that forces of darkness (demonic spirits motivating persecution) cannot act independently of Jesus Christ. In the flood, demonic spirits (though in prison
) could destroy the entire human population except for eight people. Christ's ascension means that even the Prince of demons is under Jesus’ feet so that Jesus can save an innumerable multitude, despite suffering and persecution.
Through his digression concerning the flood, Peter provides instructive lessons for Christians today. It is tempting in persecution to conclude that the devil is winning and God is weak. Peter would have his readers remember that with Jesus’ ascension, shockwaves of horror spread among the rebellious angels trapped in God’s prison. Such demons may have despised Noah’s proclamation, but they cannot ignore Jesus’ proclamation. Satan with his demons has lost. He is not a demi-god beside Christ Jesus. His place is under Jesus’ feet, bound.
18 Christ aussi a souffert une fois pour les péchés, lui juste pour des injustes, afin de nous amener à Dieu; il a été mis à mort quant à la chair, et rendu vivant quant à l'Esprit,