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NASB | 1 Peter 3:20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 3:20 who once were disobedient, when the great patience of God was waiting in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons [Noah's family], were brought safely through the water. [Gen 6-8] |
Bible Question:
Excuse me for butting in but I think we may be missing something. First let’s look at God’s definition of Noah … Noah, a preacher of righteousness… 2 Peter 2:5. Now lets see there was the time of the Arks construction. Then there was seven days after Noah and his family entered into the Ark before the flood. Then we see see this reference in 1 Peter 3:20 … when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Knowing what a preacher is like does anyone think Noah didn’t preach during this time. And isn’t the patience of God the construction plus the seven days He waited after Noah entered the Ark. Why would God do that unless Noah was preaching during this time calling people to repentance and God givng them one last chance to have a change of heart? 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. |
Bible Answer: Well, on these forums, all of us are "butting in"! Your comments are most welcome. Yes, Noah was preacher of righteousness. I didn't mean to suggest that he kept silent during this time (or even before God instructed him to build the ark). What I do contend is that God purposed to desroy humanit with the exception of eight people. Proclaiming God's truth is to reveal Him, not only to "convince" others of the truth. We see this in Philippians 1:27-28, where the Phiplippians' unity in preaching the gospel served as a "sign of destruction" for the unbelievers persecuting them. Likewise, Noah's preaching (whatever form it took -- the Bible is silent on this) could also be considered to be God's "sign of destruction" for the rest of the world. My real argument against the study materials was not that Noah preached, but rather that God was unsuccessful in convincing the unbelieving world to repent. As far as God's patience in 2 Peter 3:9, let's take a look at why he is patient. It has to do with whom he is addressing. God is patient toward "you". To whom did Peter address his letter (v. 1:1)? Other believers. Therefore, God is not being patient here toward the non-elect, but rather toward the elect who have not been regenerated (including those who had not been born like you and me). There would be no other reason for God to be patient toward believers, since those already saved would not need God to hold back the second coming of Christ and destruction of the world (which is the context of 2 Peter 3:9). The "all" here is not all mankind (since no one but universalists argue that ALL will ever be saved), but rather all of God's elect (1 Peter 1:1-5). Likewise, was God being patient toward the rest of the world, or toward Noah in the time he was building his ark? God's wrath will be poured out on sinful humanity at some point in the future, just like it was poured out on those in Noah's day. At what point does an omniscient God "decide" that enough is enough, since both Arminians and Calvinists both argue that God KNOWS who will repent? Thanks for your comments! --Joe! |