who oncewere disobedient,whenthe patienceof Godkept waitingin the daysof Noah,during the constructionof the ark,in whicha few,that is, eightpersons,were brought safelythrough[the] water.
Then Godsaidto Noah,"The endof allfleshhas comebeforeMe; for the earthis filledwith violencebecauseof them; and behold,I am about to destroythem with the earth.
Then the LORDsaid,"My Spiritshall not strivewith manforever,becausehe alsois flesh;nevertheless his daysshall be one hundredand twentyyears."
Then the LORDsawthat the wickednessof manwas greaton the earth,and that everyintentof the thoughtsof his heartwas onlyevilcontinually.
But Noahfoundfavorin the eyesof the LORD.
On the verysamedayNoahand Shemand Hamand Japheth,the sonsof Noah,and Noah'swifeand the threewivesof his sonswith them, enteredthe ark,
But GodrememberedNoahand allthe beastsand allthe cattlethat were with him in the ark;and Godcaused a windto passoverthe earth,and the watersubsided.
So Noahwentout, and his sonsand his wifeand his sons'wiveswith him.
Thereforethe LORDlongsto be graciousto you, And thereforeHe waits on highto havecompassionon you. For the LORDis a Godof justice;How blessedare allthose who longfor Him.
"For the gateis smalland the wayis narrowthat leadsto life,and thereare fewwho findit.
"Do not be afraid,littleflock,for your Fatherhas chosen gladlyto giveyou the kingdom.
So then,thosewho had receivedhis wordwere baptized;and that daythere were addedaboutthree thousandsouls.
WhatifGod,although willingto demonstrateHis wrathand to makeHis powerknown,enduredwith muchpatiencevesselsof wrathpreparedfor destruction?
sothat He might sanctifyher, having cleansedher by the washingof waterwith the word,
By faithNoah,being warned[by God] aboutthings not yetseen,in reverencepreparedan arkfor the salvationof his household,by whichhe condemnedthe world,and becamean heirof the righteousnesswhich is accordingto faith.
Since you have in obedienceto the truthpurifiedyour soulsfor a sincerelove of the brethren,ferventlyloveone anotherfrom the heart,
obtainingas the outcomeof your faiththe salvationof your souls.
For you were continually strayinglikesheep,but nowyou have returnedto the Shepherdand Guardianof your souls.
in whichalsoHe wentand made proclamationto the spirits[now] in prison,
Therefore,thosealsowho sufferaccordingto the willof Godshall entrusttheir soulsto a faithfulCreatorin doing what is right.
and did not sparethe ancientworld,but preservedNoah,a preacherof righteousness,with seven others,when He broughta floodupon the worldof the ungodly;
and regardthe patienceof our Lord[as] salvation;justas alsoour belovedbrotherPaul,accordingto the wisdomgivenhim, wroteto you,
