Christians can endure suffering for righteousness’ sake, not because Christ left an example to follow, but because Christ gained victory over the forces of evil and promises victory to all who are in him. First Peter 3:18–23 highlights victory in Jesus by showing us that this victory:

(1) was purchased by Christ’s death and resurrection (v. 18);

(2) was proclaimed by Christ’s ascension (vv. 19–21); and

(3) is portrayed in Christian baptism (vv. 22–23).