The American Journal of Biblical Theology Vol. 23(43). October 23, 2022 1 Proclamation of Triumph over the Spirits in Prison in 1 Peter 3:18-22 Sampson M. Nwaomah, PhD Simdumise Poswa Abstract This paper is an exegetical study of 1 Peter 3:18-22. It investigates the nature of the spirits in prison, what kind of prison they are in and what constitutes Christ preaching to them. The paper concludes that the text moves from Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and triumph over evil spirits. Therefore, the “spirits in prison” are best understood to be evil angels who have always been at work, but Peter emphasizes their work in the generation that lived before the flood. The prison represents a state of awaiting judgment and Jesus’ proclamation is that of victory and exaltation over them which was accomplished at the cross and validated at this resurrection. Keywords: Proclamation, Triumph, Spirits, Prison Introduction One of the most intriguing passages in the New Testament is 1 Peter 3:18-22. This passage is the third Christological passage in 1 Peter (see 1:18–21; 2:22–25). The three passages begin with the suffering and death of Jesus. However, while 1 Peter 1:18- 21 and 2:22–25 seem to focus on the work of redemption of Jesus at the cross, 1 Peter 3:18-22 “highlights the conquering power of his resurrection and ascension.” 1 Yet, this passage is 1 Karen J. Jobes, 1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005), 236