There is no break in the flow of thought at 4:1. Although Noah is not mentioned in 4:1–6, we will best grasp Peter’s meaning if we keep him in mind. For what Peter says in essence in verses 3–5 is, “You are in the same position as Noah, who refused to join in the profligate and licentious behavior of his contemporaries, even though they thought him peculiar for his refusal. Hold yourselves aloof from such practices, for God is about to act in judgment now as he did then.” Peter actually uses the word “flood” in verse 4, where a literal translation would be “they curse you when you don’t join the same flood of dissipation.” The outpourings of vice around them are horribly reminiscent of the flood of God’s wrath about to break.

It is especially helpful to read the difficult verse 6 with th…