Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
I Peter 3 is a powerful continuation of Peter's message to suffering Christians, emphasizing how to live out their faith in practical ways, particularly within the context of marriage and in the face of opposition. This chapter provides guidance that is both challenging and deeply encouraging, reminding believers that their lives can be a powerful testimony to the grace and transformative power of Christ. Peter's letter, in general, addresses Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were facing persecution for their faith in Jesus. He assures them of their secure future with God and emphasizes the importance of living as His holy people, even when it means enduring hardship. I Peter 3 specifically focuses on the Christian's role in the family and in society, calling for submission, respect, and unwavering commitment to doing good.
Wives and Husbands: A Call to Godly Relationships (I Peter 3:1-7)
Peter begins by addressing Christian wives, urging them to be subject to their own husbands, even those who are unbelievers (I Peter 3:1). This concept, often misunderstood in contemporary culture, is rooted in the idea of voluntary alignment under God's design for marriage. It's a choice, not a coercion, and it doesn't diminish the intrinsic value of women, who are created equally in God's image. Submission, in this context, is not passivity; it's about supporting the husband's God-given role as leader with her gifts and abilities, like the Proverbs 31 woman.
Peter suggests that a wife's "respectful and pure conduct" (I Peter 3:2) can be a powerful witness, potentially winning her husband to Christ without the need for constant arguments or nagging. This highlights the transformative power of a Christ-like life lived out in the everyday realities of marriage. Instead of focusing on outward appearances, Christian wives are encouraged to cultivate inner beauty – a "gentle and quiet spirit" (I Peter 3:4) – which Peter emphasizes is precious in God's sight and a stark contrast to the world's superficial values.
Furthermore, Peter calls wives to look to the holy women of the past, like Sarah, as examples. These women "put their hope in God" (I Peter 3:5) and adorned themselves by submitting to their husbands. Sarah, even when Abraham made questionable decisions, used her words to build him up. This highlights the powerful influence a wife can have in shaping her husband's character and leadership.
Turning his attention to husbands, Peter commands them to "live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered" (I Peter 3:7). This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands understanding their wives' needs, listening to them, and appreciating their contributions. Wives may be physically weaker, but they are equal partners in the inheritance of God's grace. A husband who fails to honor his wife in this way risks hindering his own prayers, highlighting the interconnectedness of marital harmony and spiritual well-being. In essence, Peter is calling husbands to lead with love and understanding, valuing their wives as equal partners in the journey of faith.
Living in Unity and Pursuing Peace (I Peter 3:8-12)
Moving beyond the specific context of marriage, Peter broadens his scope to address all believers, urging them to "have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (I Peter 3:8). This call to unity is essential for the church to function as a powerful witness in the world. Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion and humility in our interactions with one another, reminding us that we are all on equal footing before the cross.
He further instructs believers not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but instead to "bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing" (I Peter 3:9). This counter-cultural approach challenges the natural human instinct for revenge and calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. Blessing those who mistreat us is part of our purpose as God's set-apart people.
Peter then quotes from Psalms to illustrate the importance of righteous living, emphasizing the need to "turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it" (I Peter 3:11). By taming our tongues and pursuing peace, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings and experience good days. Peter underlines that "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (I Peter 3:12). This highlights the direct connection between our actions and God's favor, reinforcing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake (I Peter 3:13-22)
Peter acknowledges the reality that Christians may suffer for doing good. He poses the question, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" (I Peter 3:13). While he suggests that, in general, those devoted to good will not be harmed, he also recognizes that suffering for righteousness' sake is a distinct possibility. However, he assures believers that "even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed" (I Peter 3:14).
In the face of potential suffering, Peter encourages believers to "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (I Peter 3:15-16). This verse highlights the importance of being ready to articulate our faith with clarity and humility. Our lives should be a strong witness for Jesus, creating opportunities to share our faith in a way that is both compelling and respectful. Even when falsely accused, our good conduct should bring shame to those who slander us.
Peter reminds his readers that "it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (I Peter 3:17). He then points to Christ as the ultimate example of suffering for sins, emphasizing that Christ "suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God" (I Peter 3:18). Christ's suffering and subsequent resurrection demonstrate that even in the face of immense hardship, victory is possible.
Peter then makes a somewhat complex reference to Christ preaching to "the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah" (I Peter 3:19-20). This passage is often interpreted as referring to Christ, in His spirit, proclaiming victory over the rebellious spirits who were disobedient in Noah's time. Noah's ark served as a means of salvation and deliverance from judgment, and Peter draws a parallel to baptism, which he describes as "an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21). Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ and our deliverance from judgment.
Peter concludes by affirming Christ's ascension to heaven, where He is "at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him" (I Peter 3:22). This reinforces the ultimate authority and sovereignty of Christ, reminding believers that their suffering is temporary and that they are ultimately united with a victorious Lord.
I Peter 3 offers a comprehensive guide for living a Christ-honoring life in the midst of a challenging world. It calls believers to cultivate godly relationships, pursue unity and peace, and embrace the possibility of suffering for righteousness' sake, all while remaining grounded in the hope and victory found in Jesus Christ. By embodying these principles, Christians can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel and draw others to faith in Christ.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
I Peter 3 is a powerful continuation of Peter's message to suffering Christians, emphasizing how to live out their faith in practical ways, particularly within the context of marriage and in the face of opposition. This chapter provides guidance that is both challenging and deeply encouraging, reminding believers that their lives can be a powerful testimony to the grace and transformative power of Christ. Peter's letter, in general, addresses Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were facing persecution for their faith in Jesus. He assures them of their secure future with God and emphasizes the importance of living as His holy people, even when it means enduring hardship. I Peter 3 specifically focuses on the Christian's role in the family and in society, calling for submission, respect, and unwavering commitment to doing good.
Wives and Husbands: A Call to Godly Relationships (I Peter 3:1-7)
Peter begins by addressing Christian wives, urging them to be subject to their own husbands, even those who are unbelievers (I Peter 3:1). This concept, often misunderstood in contemporary culture, is rooted in the idea of voluntary alignment under God's design for marriage. It's a choice, not a coercion, and it doesn't diminish the intrinsic value of women, who are created equally in God's image. Submission, in this context, is not passivity; it's about supporting the husband's God-given role as leader with her gifts and abilities, like the Proverbs 31 woman.
Peter suggests that a wife's "respectful and pure conduct" (I Peter 3:2) can be a powerful witness, potentially winning her husband to Christ without the need for constant arguments or nagging. This highlights the transformative power of a Christ-like life lived out in the everyday realities of marriage. Instead of focusing on outward appearances, Christian wives are encouraged to cultivate inner beauty – a "gentle and quiet spirit" (I Peter 3:4) – which Peter emphasizes is precious in God's sight and a stark contrast to the world's superficial values.
Furthermore, Peter calls wives to look to the holy women of the past, like Sarah, as examples. These women "put their hope in God" (I Peter 3:5) and adorned themselves by submitting to their husbands. Sarah, even when Abraham made questionable decisions, used her words to build him up. This highlights the powerful influence a wife can have in shaping her husband's character and leadership.
Turning his attention to husbands, Peter commands them to "live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered" (I Peter 3:7). This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands understanding their wives' needs, listening to them, and appreciating their contributions. Wives may be physically weaker, but they are equal partners in the inheritance of God's grace. A husband who fails to honor his wife in this way risks hindering his own prayers, highlighting the interconnectedness of marital harmony and spiritual well-being. In essence, Peter is calling husbands to lead with love and understanding, valuing their wives as equal partners in the journey of faith.
Living in Unity and Pursuing Peace (I Peter 3:8-12)
Moving beyond the specific context of marriage, Peter broadens his scope to address all believers, urging them to "have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (I Peter 3:8). This call to unity is essential for the church to function as a powerful witness in the world. Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion and humility in our interactions with one another, reminding us that we are all on equal footing before the cross.
He further instructs believers not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but instead to "bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing" (I Peter 3:9). This counter-cultural approach challenges the natural human instinct for revenge and calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. Blessing those who mistreat us is part of our purpose as God's set-apart people.
Peter then quotes from Psalms to illustrate the importance of righteous living, emphasizing the need to "turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it" (I Peter 3:11). By taming our tongues and pursuing peace, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings and experience good days. Peter underlines that "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (I Peter 3:12). This highlights the direct connection between our actions and God's favor, reinforcing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake (I Peter 3:13-22)
Peter acknowledges the reality that Christians may suffer for doing good. He poses the question, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" (I Peter 3:13). While he suggests that, in general, those devoted to good will not be harmed, he also recognizes that suffering for righteousness' sake is a distinct possibility. However, he assures believers that "even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed" (I Peter 3:14).
In the face of potential suffering, Peter encourages believers to "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (I Peter 3:15-16). This verse highlights the importance of being ready to articulate our faith with clarity and humility. Our lives should be a strong witness for Jesus, creating opportunities to share our faith in a way that is both compelling and respectful. Even when falsely accused, our good conduct should bring shame to those who slander us.
Peter reminds his readers that "it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (I Peter 3:17). He then points to Christ as the ultimate example of suffering for sins, emphasizing that Christ "suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God" (I Peter 3:18). Christ's suffering and subsequent resurrection demonstrate that even in the face of immense hardship, victory is possible.
Peter then makes a somewhat complex reference to Christ preaching to "the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah" (I Peter 3:19-20). This passage is often interpreted as referring to Christ, in His spirit, proclaiming victory over the rebellious spirits who were disobedient in Noah's time. Noah's ark served as a means of salvation and deliverance from judgment, and Peter draws a parallel to baptism, which he describes as "an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21). Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ and our deliverance from judgment.
Peter concludes by affirming Christ's ascension to heaven, where He is "at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him" (I Peter 3:22). This reinforces the ultimate authority and sovereignty of Christ, reminding believers that their suffering is temporary and that they are ultimately united with a victorious Lord.
I Peter 3 offers a comprehensive guide for living a Christ-honoring life in the midst of a challenging world. It calls believers to cultivate godly relationships, pursue unity and peace, and embrace the possibility of suffering for righteousness' sake, all while remaining grounded in the hope and victory found in Jesus Christ. By embodying these principles, Christians can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel and draw others to faith in Christ.