1 Peter 4:6

"For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." ~ 1 Peter 4:6

Context:  In the last few versus, we have been looking at how you were born living a sinful life.  Now that you know God, you should live more as He wants you to live.  That others will judge you and be mean because you are living a good life, but to not mind them as God has it under control.

Further Back Context:  People before Jesus had hope in His promise.  So that when Jesus came to Earth, lived, died, and rose again... those people were saved even though they were dead.

This verse, honestly confuses me.  Taking what I know from previous verses, I am trying to understand this.

People who are dead because they lived before the gospel still knew the gospel story.  So they are judged by how they lived because they had that knowledge.  Therefore they have a chance to live again when Jesus comes back to take us all home.  I think.

Sorry folks, I really am unsure how else to understand that.  If you have thoughts or comments, please leave them here.