Wives submit, husbands live!

Introduction

Peter continues to address the topic of good conduct and submission in relationships with the marital relationship. The overarching themes here will be value and respect. Before reading this passage let us look back to what was previously stated. . .

Time of persecution 1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV)

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Called to be holy 1 Peter 1:14-16

1 Peter 1:14–16 ESV

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Like the living stone 1 Peter 2:4-5

1 Peter 2:4–5 ESV

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

We are God’s own 1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

What does God say

1 Peter 3:1–7 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, 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.

Wives

Likewise - as with servants it give attention to wives being in subjection (to authority or headship) of their own husbands

Again, like servants, wives are to be subjected to their own husbands even if they do not obey the word

Peter emphasizes good conduct (respectful and pure) as a means to win over their husbands instead of words.

Remaining on conduct, Peter states wives, do not let your adorning (kosmos - world, order, ornamentation) be external. The braiding of hair, jewelry and dress were means which women adorned themselves to express their importance or prominence.

But let it be the hidden person of the heart with imperishable beauty of a gentle (humble) and quiet (well-ordered) spirit. Gentle and quiet spirit is valuable to God!

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, serves as a reminder of the wife’s call to be holy and submissive to one’s own husband. Calling Abraham “lord” is a term of respect which was conduct addressed in verse 2. Submission includes obeying one’s husband as well.

Wives you are considered the children of Sarah if you do good and and do not fear anything that is frightening. Remember, it was stated in verse 1 to submit to husbands that are not obeying the word. Also, they lived in a time of great persecution. Husbands where known to give over their wives to be persecuted because the proclaimed Christ as LORD. We all are accountable to God. It is sinful to not obey an ungodly order. However, do so for them, may lead to greater consequences. Therefore, good conduct and do not fear (hope in God) anything that is frightening (consequences from an ungodly husband).

Husbands

Likewise - not in subjection but in demonstrating honor.

Husband are to live with their wives in an understanding way (in knowledge). . . what knowledge? Biblical knowledge or in accordance with the will of God.

showing honor (value) to the woman (women) as the weaker vessel (not weaker spiritually or intellectually but strength).

The reason. . . They are heirs with us of the same grace of life. God did not show us a different grace from them. They too are children of God.

Do not let your prayers be hindered- God is not going to bless those who abuse their authority. A husband who abuses his authority in the home devalues what God considers valuable and hinders his call for God’s assistance.

What do we do?

We are valued by God

Our value is in God not men

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21)

Husbands value your wives as God values them

Wives adorn yourself the imperishable beauty of gentleness and purity