²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(A) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(B) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(C) were saved^(D) through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(E) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(F) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(G)