1 Peter 3:1-7

1: In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,
2: as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
3: Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;
4: but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
5: For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
6: just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

7: You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

***   

Just as Peter encouraged servants to be submissive to their masters, following Jesus’ example of when He was treated unjustly and entrusted Himself to the Father who judges righteously, so Peter encouraged wives to be submissive to their own husbands, in order for disobedient husbands to be won over to the Lord by their chaste and respectful behavior. Without having to say a word, preach, or nag, the godly behavior of the wife speaks volumes to an unbelieving or disobedient husband.

Peter encouraged the wives not to care about their outward appearance more than their inner spirit, but to adorn themselves with a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in God’s sight. The outward is not what will win them. He gave an example of Sarah and her submission to Abraham. Even though she had a great call herself (Genesis 17:19), she still respected Abraham, calling him her lord (Genesis 18:12). These women of old adorned their “hidden person of the heart,” submitting themselves to their husbands, while placing their hope in God. He said to the wives that they are as Sarah’s children, if they do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

Peter is saying that wives should follow the example of Jesus if they have husbands who are unbelievers or disobedient. Just as Jesus didn’t argue back or threaten during His suffering, but committed Himself to the Righteous Judge, so should wives seek to win their husbands over by their behavior, not arguments. All while trusting themselves to the care of God without fear.

Peter then spoke to the husbands, telling them to live with their wives in an understanding way, knowing her vessel is weaker—more delicate and fragile—and is to be treated gently. He is not to dishonor her, but show her honor as a fellow heir of God’s grace. As “fellow heirs” the husband and wife are equal together in the Lord. When that is acknowledged, their prayers will not be hindered.



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