This week, we will look at the second set of directions regarding submission and suffering that Peter wrote to the believers in Asia Minor. Last week, we looked at Christians in relation to government and those in authority, and the particular circumstances of those in servitude. Now Peter directs his instruction specifically to women and men enduring less-than-harmonious marital relationships, and then provides some general instruction that applies to everyone.
Next week, Peter will revisit the theme of undeserved suffering and what it looks like for a Christian to follow the example of Christ in difficult circumstances.
To the Wives 1 Peter 3:1-6 (CEB) In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live when they observe your pure, reverent lives. Don’t let your beauty consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes, but rather what is inside the heart — the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also adorned themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do what is good and do not fear any intimidation. 1 Peter 3:1-4 (MSG) The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as “my dear husband.” You’ll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
- Describe the life situation of the wife to whom Peter addresses here. What do you find challenging about this instruction?
- Why would Peter address the outward appearance of “elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fine clothes”? Do you think that this applies today?
- Describe the example of Sarah. Are there other examples that you can think of? Why do you think these women are good examples?
To the Husbands
1 Peter 3:7 (CEB)
Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7 (MSG)
The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.
- What is the responsibility of a godly husband?
- How do you see this command and the previous one being misinterpreted or misapplied today?
To Everyone 1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and let him turn away from evil and do what is good. Let him seek peace and pursue it, because 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 what is evil.
- What is the counter-cultural command given in this section?
- What is the “prize” of living in this way?
- The scripture quote is from Psalm 34. The quoted text immediately precedes this well known verse:
The LORD is near the brokenhearted;
he saves those crushed in spirit.
How do you think that Peter’s instruction was an encouragement to his hearers to bear up under difficult circumstances?