1 Peter 3:1-7
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Helpful Background Information:
Peter begins this section by addressing wives - they should submit to the leadership of their husbands, whether he’s a Christian or not. He goes on to discuss a wife’s outward appearance. The Apostle tells Christian wives that their priority should not be in their appearance. The elaborate braiding of one’s hair and extravagant jewelry were common for the women in upper-class Roman society, and ironically for women engaged in prostitution. However, it must be stated that Peter is not prohibiting Christian women from adorning themselves outwardly, but rather, this adorning is not the source of a woman’s beauty. Her beauty comes from her character in the Lord - gentle and quiet - which never decays; precious both to her husband and, more importantly, to God.
Peter then turns his attention to the husbands. Just as women submit to God’s design, so too are men to submit to God’s design in their husbandry. A believing husband must submit to the God-given duty of being sensitive to the needs, fears, and feelings to his wife - honoring her- in order to lead her well, whether she’s a Christian or not. When Peter describes wives as the weaker vessel. Peter touches on the apparent truth that women are physically weaker than men. This is by no means an insult to the women, and her weakness is God’s good design; she is to be cared for and protected by her husband. Think of a beautiful glass vase. It’s more delicate and beautiful by design, but this does not mean that it's any less valuable. Peter affirms the worth of wives and women in stating that they are co-heirs of the grace of life. Both men and women are equally valuable to the Lord and are on equal footing in his eyes - yet designed differently for different purposes.
When wives and husbands submit to God’s design for marriage, their conduct can have a profound sharpening effect on the other. As both a husband and wife seek God and embrace the role they’re called to, they become compatible. They understand each other better, living with each other becomes easier, they draw closer to each other, and a wife’s/husband’s godly example encourages the other unto Christlikeness to be a godly example themselves.
A quick word to those who are not married - this passage still applies to you! As shown this week and last week, covenantal love can transform friendships. When you live out covenant relationships, when you are a godly example in your conduct and character, you become more compatible with your friends - you encourage your friends to live more godly lives!
Reflection Questions:
For husbands, how can you become more understanding with your wife and honor her? Write down 5 ways you can do this. For wives, how can you cultivate the kind of submissive, “unfading beauty” that Peter describes—a gentle and quiet spirit? Write down 5 ways you can do this.
Envision how your conduct, in accordance with God’s design, would “win over” your spouse to greater Christlikeness. What could your marriage look like?
Even if you’re not married, how can you live out the principles of covenantal love and mutual respect in your friendships? Can you think of a relationship in your life that would grow stronger if you practiced these principles? What might that look like?