Peter is addressing the Christians who were scattered about the Roman Empire. In chapter one he writes that they are strangers in the world who have been “chosen for obedience” (1:2). Throughout the letter Peter encourages the believers to set themselves apart in holiness, to submit to governmental authorities, and the be willing to suffer even if it is suffering for doing good (1 Peter 3:14). All of this is within the call to obedience. 

The Greek word for obedience in 1:2 is hypakoe which is pronounced “hüp-ä-ko-ā” which comes from the root word meaning “to listen or hearken a command” or “to serve as a porter to listen for a knock at the door.” I see a common theme of obedience and submission to the will of God even in the midst of the most adverse conditions or circumstances. Many Christians were being executed for their faith. History tells us that even Peter was martyred for his faith. He would pay the ultimate price for his faith in Christ. In 3:20, I understand the text to imply that God saved Noah and his family as they went through the flood. In other words, they were immersed in peril and they experiences God’s redemptive power and protection. Christian baptism is likened to this redemption. It is not just a ritual washing, but it is symbolic of a person’s having genuinely accepted the atoning death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection and his entry into heaven at the right hand of God. And Peter’s letter encourages us to be obedient through our baptismal faith in the Risen Lord no matter what the cost. In need of his grace to live according to such obedience, Pastor Bob