Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Peter 3:20

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

He set this down as a resolution of the objection. Someone might say: "Who else preached before Christ, and who were condemned for not obeying?" Like the Apostle Paul (Rom. 2:15), he could have pointed to the rational powers innate in us: for those who were created capable of distinguishing good from evil and, despite this, did not do good, are worthy of condemnation. But he does not point to this. Why? …

Commentary on 1 Peter ↗

Clement of Rome

Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him. Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the Ninevites; [Jonah 3] but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they were aliens [to the covenant] of God.

Letter to the Corinthians (Clement) ↗

Cyprian

"In the ark "says he, "of Noah, few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water, as also baptism shall in like manner save you.". Peter also, showing this, set forth that the Church is one, and that only they who are in the Church can be baptized; and said, "In the ark of Noah, few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water; the like figure where-unto even baptism shall save you; "

Epistle LXXV ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Consider, however, I pray you, whether all that the Apostle Peter says concerning spirits shut up in prison, who were unbelieving in the days of Noah, may not after all have been written without any reference to hell, but rather to those times the typical character of which he has transferred to the present time. …

Letters 164 ↗

Bede

In which few, that is, eight souls were saved, etc. The form of baptism is likened to the ark and the waters of the flood. And rightly so, because the very construction of the ark from hewn wood signifies the building of the Church, which is done by gathering the faithful souls through the architects of the word. …

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗