Why was the gospel preached to the dead?

It seems to me that this passage is best understood in its wider context: Peter is exhorting his readers to proclaim the righteousness of God in face of persecution.

He tells them to follow the example of Christ, who also suffered. Christ, in spirit, preached righteousness through Noah to his generation. Because they disobeyed, they perished in the flood and are now "in prison" awaiting their final judgment.

Similarly, despite the present persecution, Peter's hearers should nonetheless follow Noah's example, proclaiming Christ's righteousness to their own generation.

 

Hmm. That's an interesting take on the passage, Ransom.
Now, since Jesus was killed before He did His preaching does this mean we are to kill ourselves first?

I'm interested in your "broader application" here as well.

You have broadened things to an unrecognizable state.
If your interpretation is what Peter meant, he would have said so.

MR