1 Peter 3:20- to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter continues his thought from the previous verse about Jesus proclaiming victory to the imprisoned spirits. He now explains who these spirits were: those who were disobedient long ago in the days of Noah.
Peter is pointing back to the time before the flood, described in Genesis 6. During that time, people and spiritual beings rebelled against God. The world was filled with wickedness, violence, and evil. God’s judgment came through the flood, but even then, God waited patiently while Noah built the ark.
Peter highlights that only eight people—Noah and his family—were saved through the floodwaters. This shows how few people responded to God in faith and obedience, even when God gave them time to repent.
Peter uses this example to connect to his readers’ situation. Just as Noah and his family were saved in a wicked world, so believers can trust God’s rescue, even when they are surrounded by opposition.
Historical Context
Peter’s readers were living in a culture hostile to their faith. They were likely facing insults, rejection, and perhaps worse because they followed Jesus.
By pointing back to Noah’s time, Peter reminds them that this is not the first time faithful people have been a minority. In Noah’s day, almost no one listened to God. Yet God preserved and saved those who trusted Him.
The reference to God waiting patiently is also significant. It shows that even when judgment was coming, God gave people time to turn to Him.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God is patient, but He is also just. He gave people in Noah’s day time to repent, but they chose to reject Him, and judgment came.
It also shows that God is faithful to save those who trust Him, even when they are few.
The flood becomes a picture of both God’s judgment on sin and His mercy toward those who put their faith in Him.
Peter’s mention of Noah’s ark points forward to Jesus. Just as Noah’s family was saved through the ark, believers today are saved through Christ.
Literary Analysis
Peter’s reference to Noah’s time is intentional and symbolic. He is using a real historical event to illustrate deeper spiritual truths.
The mention of disobedient spirits and God’s patience ties together themes of rebellion, judgment, and salvation.
The number eight people emphasizes how small the group of faithful was compared to the world around them—a theme that would have resonated with Peter’s readers, who were also in the minority.
This verse also sets up the next verse (v. 21), where Peter will connect the floodwaters to the symbol of baptism.
Cross-References
- Genesis 6:5-8 – The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become.
- Genesis 7:1-7 – Noah and his family enter the ark.
- 2 Peter 2:5 – God did not spare the ancient world but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness.
- Hebrews 11:7 – By faith, Noah built an ark to save his family.
- Matthew 24:37-39 – Jesus compares the days of Noah to the coming of the Son of Man.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that living faithfully often means being part of a small, faithful group in a world that rejects God.
It’s also a call to trust in God’s patience and His power to save. Even when the world seems dark and hostile, God has not forgotten His people. He knows how to rescue those who trust Him.
This verse also encourages believers to live righteously and boldly, even when they feel outnumbered.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is patient. He does not rush to judgment but gives people time to turn to Him.
Even in Noah’s time, when the world was filled with evil, God patiently waited while Noah built the ark and preached righteousness.
God’s love is also seen in the way He preserves and protects those who trust Him, even when they are few.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Peter’s reference to Noah and the flood points forward to Jesus. Just as the ark saved Noah’s family from the flood, Jesus is the ark of salvation for all who trust in Him.
Peter will make this connection even clearer in the next verse (v. 21), where he links the floodwaters to baptism—a sign of dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ.
Jesus is the true and better ark. He provides safety, salvation, and new life for all who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about God’s patience?
- How is the story of Noah an example of both God’s judgment and His mercy?
- Why do you think Peter points back to Noah’s time to encourage suffering Christians?
- What can you learn from Noah’s faithfulness in a world that rejected God?
- How does Noah’s ark point forward to the salvation offered through Jesus?