having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.

 Peter is, in effect, saying that in baptism God said to the man coming direct from heathenism: "Do you accept the terms of my service? Do you accept its privileges and promises, and do you undertake its responsibilities and its demands?" And in the act of being baptized the man answered: "Yes." 