1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3 (NIV)

In this chapter, Peter continues the thoughts from the previous chapter and encourages Christians to unity, love, compassion, peace and patience. He teaches the ways of not returning evil with evil, but instead to bless in order to keep a good conscience and uses the example of Christ to show that even in the worst circumstance, kindness is possible with God.

1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Peter tells wives to submit to their husbands “in the same way”. In order to find out what way he means, we have to go back to his previous thought. His previous thought was regarding the relationship between authority and the Christian. Peter says these things because many of these women were married to unbelieving husbands, whether they be pagan or Jew. These wives were now encouraged to live a Godly life in a pagan household. He tells them to live a life worthy of God, always doing good so that they could win their husbands to the Lord. They are not freed from respecting their husbands, rather, they are told to respect them even more in the way that Christ leads us to, in peace. It should be this inward beauty that shines of gentleness and the strength of God rather than the outward adornments of beauty. This is the way the notorious women of the Old Testament behaved and were given blessing by God. Peter knows that when one spouse is saved and the other is not, it causes great conflict within a relationship. This conflict is best resolved with affection and loving, peaceful words and actions rather than disrespect and badgering, or considering the current relationship a mistake and seeking another instead. He also reminds them that their outward appearance is not what will win their husbands, but their attitudes.

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

In the same way, Peter now instructs the husbands in a similar manner. Again, these are men who are now converted Christians and their wives are still either Jews or pagans. God’s word forbids unnecessary separation, so Peter is telling them to be considerate to their wives: (to give honor, maintaining her authority, protecting her, supporting her, delighting in her conversation, and placing trust and confidence in her). Peter refers to women as the weaker partner, not out of disrespect or degradation, but because she is physically not as strong as a man. This is not a reason for her to held in contempt. He goes on to show the equality in their union by referring to her as a joint heir. This shows that in the blessings of Christianity they are equal to each other. God’s perfect plan was for a man and a woman to form a perfect partnership, each contributing different strengths to the relationship and to each other. Peter is reminding them of their equality in the eyes of God through Christ so that unrighteous contempt for one another will not hinder their prayers. The prayers of a couple united in righteousness, peace and love are most powerful.

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[Psalm 34:12-16]

Now Peter turns to more general encouragements meant for everyone. He starts first with unity. Christians are to be in unity – to be of one mind, unanimous in belief, of the same faith, and the same principles of religion. They are to be humble and considerate of each other, walking always in love. Many of the Christians in this time were suffering, so it was especially important for them to remember not to repay evil with evil, but instead to do exactly the opposite by responding in love and blessings. It is a discipline to do this. (Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don’t want to do it.) Peter then gives a sound biblical reason for doing this from Psalms. There is a blessing and a reward for those who do right in the Lord’s eyes. He answers the prayers of those who are humble and faithful.

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats [fear what they fear]; do not be frightened.”[Isaiah 8:12] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[in the spirit] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[an appeal to God for a clear conscience] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

The patient and humble attitude of a righteous Christian turns favor toward them. Most people will not do harm to those who are always doing good. But even if you are persecuted for doing good, you will be blessed by God. Our example , once again, is Christ. He went through all the things that we potentially can face, so we have a good and perfect example of the righteous behavior we are to emulate. When we act without selfishness, we heap conviction upon those who seek to do us harm. Our reward is the blessing and authority we have received from Christ and our eternity that is assured in heaven. Amen!