Blessings of Submission

1 Peter 3:1-7

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Notes

Peter instructed the believers to submit to human institutions, whether the emperor or a local governor, for such is God’s will (2:13). He further explained that servants should also be subject to their masters (2:18). Peter then encouraged the believers who suffer for doing good, which was part of the calling in Christ. Although Christ committed no sin, He suffered, but He did not threaten those who crucified Him. Instead, He trusted in God, who judges rightly (2:22- 23). Peter reminded the believers of the gospel; Christ took their sins upon Himself, which brought them under His care. He is the great Shepherd. Peter would then instruct wives to submit to their husbands even if they disobeyed the word.

1. Wives’ influence, submission

   Peter instructed the wives to submit to their husbands. He further encouraged the wives with disobedient husbands to win them over to the word of God through their respectful behavior and using no words.

   
   1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct (1 Peter 3:1-2).

2. Not external, internal

   Peter resisted the Lord's act of service to wash his feet. Perhaps Peter thought it was improper for the Teacher to do so. Jesus explained to Peter that he would have no share in Him if he refused. Peter misunderstood at first but would later receive all that Jesus offered.

   3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening (1 Peter 3:3-6).

3. Husbands, understand and honor

   Peter then addressed the husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way. How? By acknowledging that she is weaker physically and probably emotionally (although this is not universal) and that wives are equal, fellow heirs. Peter included a warning about their prayers being hindered.

   
   7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

Application

1. Wives, submit

   Wives should submit to their husbands even if disobedient to the word. Like Christ, they should endure difficulty while trusting the Sovereign Lord. The hope is the probability of winning their husbands through good behavior and taming the tongue.

2. Don’t worry, trust God

   Wives must find inspiration from the godly women of ancient days like Sarah, who submitted to Abraham without fear. She also called him “lord.” Moreover, the wife should cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit that does not easily fear or worry.
   

3. Husbands, understand and honor

   Husbands should live with their wives in an understanding way by recognizing and respecting their physical and emotional weaknesses. Moreover, husbands must remember that she is a fellow heir in Christ. Finally, husbands must also heed the warning that their prayers will be hindered if they do not.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What does the Scripture expect from wives?

2. What does the Scripture expect from husbands?

3. Why should we believe and obey the instructions?