What is Peter trying to say on this

Great Question!!

Here is the NASB translation: For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to God.

1) According to the Zondervan study notes, the purpose is what is given in the second part of the verse, and does not refer back to something in the preceding verses.

2) The idea of "preached to the dead" means preached to folks while physically alive but have subsequently died.

3) Judged in the flesh as men refers to physically dying (God's judgment of all mankind until Christ returns) but when the body dies, our human spirit (if we have been born anew) goes to be with the Lord. This is the purpose of preaching the gospel, even though we die, we still live spiritually and when Christ returns we live physically again.

Thus, while we may physically die before Christ returns, the gospel has not failed. Therefore as one who has been born anew and been blessed with the glorious grace and love of God, we should be prayerful, and serve others as we would serve God.

God Bless