1 Peter 3:1-7 Commentary
Submit to Your Husbands
In 1 Peter 3:1-7, the apostle Peter addresses Christian wives, encouraging them to submit to their husbands, even if they do not obey God's word. This passage provides valuable insights into the role of wives in Christian marriages and the importance of living a godly life.
Wives, Submit to Your Husbands (v. 1)
The passage begins with a command to wives: "Wives, in the same way, be submissive to your husbands" (v. 1). This command is rooted in the biblical principle of submission to authority, as demonstrated by Christ's submission to God the Father (Philippians 2:5-8). By submitting to their husbands, Christian wives demonstrate their submission to God and their willingness to follow His plan for their lives.
Win Them Without a Word (v. 1)
Peter encourages wives to win their unbelieving husbands "without a word" (v. 1). This phrase emphasizes the power of a godly lifestyle in witnessing to others. By living a life marked by purity, reverence, and fear of God, Christian wives demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel, making it more likely that their husbands will come to faith.
Charm Is Deceptive, Beauty Is Fleeting (v. 3-4)
In verses 3-4, Peter contrasts the fleeting nature of physical beauty with the enduring beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. He reminds wives that external adornments are temporary and can be deceptive, whereas a heart that fears God is of great worth in His sight.
Do Not Let Your Adornment Be (v. 3)
Peter lists several external adornments that wives might use to attract attention:
- Braided hair: a symbol of wealth and status
- Gold jewelry: a display of material wealth
- Fine clothes: a show of fashion and status
However, these external adornments are fleeting and can distract from the inner beauty that God desires.
A Gentle and Quiet Spirit (v. 4)
In contrast to external adornments, Peter encourages wives to focus on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. This inner beauty is of great value to God, and it is what makes a woman beautiful in His sight.
Sarah Obeyed Abraham (v. 5-6)
As an example of a wife's submission, Peter cites Sarah, who obeyed her husband Abraham, calling him "master" (v. 6). This example illustrates the biblical principle of submission, even in difficult circumstances.
Do Not Fear (v. 6)
In conclusion, Peter encourages wives not to fear the potential consequences of submitting to their husbands. Instead, they should focus on doing what is right and trusting in God's sovereignty.
Conclusion
In 1 Peter 3:1-7, the apostle Peter provides valuable guidance for Christian wives, encouraging them to submit to their husbands, live a godly life, and cultivate inner beauty. By following these principles, wives can demonstrate their submission to God and bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
