Commentary on 1 Peter 3:20

Verse Reference: 1 Peter 3:20 - "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."

Introduction

This verse serves as a profound reminder of God's mercy and the consequences of disobedience. The context in which Peter writes this letter is crucial for understanding the depth of his message. As he encourages suffering believers, he draws upon the historical account of Noah's time—a period marked by widespread rejection of divine truth and authority.

Commentary Insights

The Disobedient and God’s Patience

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the "disobedient" refers to those in Noah's day who rejected the warning of God's impending judgment. Despite their persistent rebellion, God's "longsuffering" signifies His character of mercy. He gives ample opportunity for repentance, illustrating His love and desire for salvation rather than judgment.

Albert Barnes amplifies this notion by stressing that God waited patiently during the construction of the ark. This period of preparation serves as a divine invitation, offering a chance for repentance to a wicked generation. The emphasis on "longsuffering" points to God's enduring nature, highlighting that His patience is meant to lead to salvation.

Noah’s Ark: A Symbol of Salvation

The ark symbolizes both judgment and salvation. Adam Clarke notes that while the waters of the flood brought destruction to a sinful world, the ark preserved Noah and his family, showcasing God's provision for those who heed His warning. The eight souls saved represent the remnant believers who trusted in God's promise and obeyed His instructions, contrasting sharply with the majority who chose rebellion.

The Days of Noah: An Allegory for Today

This passage gains depth when viewed through the lens of contemporary times. Matthew Henry warns modern readers to recognize the parallels between the antediluvian society and the current moral state of humanity. Just as Noah proclaimed righteousness while constructing the ark, today believers are called to be a voice of truth amidst increasing disobedience and apostasy.

Theological Implications

The theological implications of this verse are far-reaching. Albert Barnes notes that the reference to Noah serves as a reminder of God’s judgment and the reality of divine wrath against sin. The mention of “saved by water” points to the dual aspect of judgment and salvation; the water that condemned the wicked also served as the means of deliverance for the faithful. This duality can be likened to the New Testament baptism, which signifies both death to sin and resurrection to new life.

Reflection on Salvation

This verse also invites reflection on the nature of salvation itself. Adam Clarke suggests that the few who were saved (Noah and his family) illustrate the narrow path to salvation. It underscores the necessity of faith and obedience, as Jesus later emphasized in the New Testament. This is especially poignant for believers as they navigate their faith in a world that often resembles the days of Noah.

Conclusion

1 Peter 3:20 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the incredible capacity of God's long-suffering love. As believers reflect on the story of Noah, they are reminded to be steadfast in their faith and consistent in their witness, ever attentive to the signs of the times and the ultimate return of Christ.

Application for Believers

• Encouragement in Suffering: Peter’s message to suffering believers illustrates that hardship can be faced with hope when placed in the context of God’s larger redemptive narrative.
• Witnessing in a Disobedient Age: Believers today are called to faithfully proclaim truth and warn of judgment just as Noah did, embodying God’s patience and love.
• Faith in Action: Like Noah's obedience in building the ark, Christians are encouraged to act on their faith, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances appear bleak.