Question: Have you ever thought through what Scripture means by the patience/longsuffering of God on behalf of sinners?

Text: “. . . because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water” (1 Peter 3:20).

Context, Context, Context: Peter, the apostle of hope, was writing in the A.D. 60s, a mere 30 years after the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, to Christians dispersed over what is much of modern-day with one overarching theme: endure suffering as a Christian for the sake of the truth.

Teaching: Peter is teaching in this verse about how the gospel was heralded via Christ proclaiming the good news (the gospel) in Noah’s day. How? Through his servant Noah. Through Noah’s witness. Through Noah’s life. The ark was a picture of Christ. All eight who were in the ark were in Christ. The rest of the creation were left to God’s justice manifested via the flood that drowned those who did not repent and believe. Eight persons were saved; the rest were dealt with justly. Eight received grace; the others received justice. No one received injustice.

The phrase “while the ark was being prepared” (v. 20) demarcates the period of time in which people had opportunities to believe the gospel but refused.

Encouragement: God is patient with us sinners. He is longsuffering. He sends heralds of righteousness and truth-tellers like Noah. How do we respond? How do most respond to Christ? And yet, we are to go with this message that Christ is patient, longsuffering, and came to save all who repent and believe. Why would anyone refuse this offer from God?