Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Peter 3:18

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God ; being put to death in the flesh , but quickned by the Spirit .

In opposition to the legal Sacrifices which were offered from day to day, and from year to year, Heb. 7.27. and 9.25. and 10.12. and this shews, as the perfection of Christ's Sufferings, (in that they needed not be repeated) so our Conformity to him in deliverance from ours; that as Christ underwent Death (the principal part of his Sufferings) not often, but once only, and then his Glory followed; so likewise if in this Life we suffer for righteousness sake, according to Christ's example, there remains no more suffering for us, but we shall be glorified with him, 2 Tim. 2.12.

i. e. For the expiation of Sin. This is another argument for Patience under Sufferings, that Christ by his Sufferings hath taken away the guilt, and freed us from the punishment of Sin; so that our Sufferings, though they may be not only by way of Trial, but of Correction; yet are not properly penal or vindictive.

And therefore well may we who are in our selves unrighteous, be content to suffer, especially for his Cause and Truth.

i. e. Reconcile us to God, and procure for us access to him with freedom and boldness, Rom. 5.2. Eph. 3.12.

His humane Nature, frequently in Scripture called Flesh, as chap. 4.1. Iohn 1.14. and though his Soul, as being Immortal did not die, yet he suffered most grievous Torments in it, and his Body died by the real Separation of his Soul from it.

i. e. His own Godhead, Iohn 2.19. and 10.17, 18. The former Member of this Sentence speaks of the Subject of his Death, his Flesh, which was likewise the Subject of his Life in his Resurrection: this latter speaks of the efficient Cause of his Life, his own eternal Spirit.

Marginal references: Rom. 5.6. Heb. 9.26, 28.; Rom. 1.4. 2 Cor. 13.4.