For to this end was the Gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.
Peter writes this passage to encourage the persecuted saints who suffered the taunts of those with whom they no longer ran. He wants them to overcome the storms of life sent their way as other faithful ones had before them. Compare with 1 Corinthians 4:7-13.