1 Peter 3
1 Peter 3 continues the theme of Christian conduct, focusing on relationships, especially within marriage. It encourages believers to live righteously, even when suffering unjustly, pointing to Christ as the ultimate example of suffering for righteousness’ sake.
1 Peter 3:1 (NKJV) Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,
Peter encourages Christian wives to submit to their husbands as a testimony of godliness, even if their husbands are unbelievers. The conduct of a faithful wife can influence her husband's heart towards God more effectively than words. This submission does not imply inferiority but reflects a Christ-like attitude of humility and respect, aiming to lead the unbelieving spouse to faith.
1 Peter 3:2 (NKJV) when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
The godly behavior of a wife, marked by purity and reverence for God, is what Peter emphasizes. When a husband witnesses the moral integrity and respectful demeanor of his wife, it has the power to influence him deeply. The "fear" here refers to a reverence for God, not a fear of the husband, showing that a wife's devotion to God drives her exemplary conduct.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Peter advises women not to focus on external beauty but to cultivate an inner beauty that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. This kind of beauty, characterized by humility and peacefulness, is timeless and valued by God. The emphasis here is on inner transformation rather than outward appearance, which aligns with the Christian call to focus on the heart and spirit.
1 Peter 3:5-6 (NKJV) For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Peter refers to the example of holy women of the past, like Sarah, who displayed trust in God by being submissive to their husbands. Sarah's respect for Abraham serves as a model for Christian wives, demonstrating how submission stems from faith in God. Peter assures them that such conduct does not lead to fear but is a courageous act of faith and goodness.
1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding way, honoring them as partners in life and faith. The term "weaker vessel" refers to physical strength, not spiritual value, emphasizing the need for husbands to protect, cherish, and respect their wives. Husbands and wives are co-heirs of eternal life, and the way husbands treat their wives affects their relationship with God, even hindering prayers if done improperly.
1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV) Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
Peter transitions from instructions to husbands and wives to general counsel for all believers. He calls for unity, compassion, love, and humility in relationships. These virtues reflect the character of Christ and foster peace and harmony within the Christian community. Believers are to treat each other with kindness and respect, building a community grounded in love.
1 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Peter commands Christians not to repay evil with evil or insults with insults. Instead, they are to respond with blessing, following Christ’s example. This radical love sets believers apart and fulfills their calling. By responding in love, they reflect the nature of their calling and inherit the blessings God has promised to His people.
1 Peter 3:10-11 (NKJV) For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.”
Quoting from Psalm 34, Peter highlights the blessings of righteous living. If someone desires a fulfilling life, they must avoid speaking evil and deceit. Instead, they should actively seek peace and pursue righteousness. This behavior aligns with God’s will, leading to a life that is blessed and filled with goodness.
1 Peter 3:12 (NKJV) For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Peter emphasizes God’s attentiveness to the righteous. God sees and hears the prayers of those who live in obedience to Him, while He opposes those who persist in evil. This verse assures believers that their righteousness does not go unnoticed, and it also warns evildoers of the consequences of their actions.
1 Peter 3:13-14 (NKJV) And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
Peter encourages believers that generally, those who live righteously are not harmed, but even if they suffer for doing good, they are blessed. Suffering for righteousness is a mark of true discipleship, and believers should not fear threats or persecution. Instead, they should find peace in the knowledge that God honors their suffering and will reward them.
1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Believers are called to set apart Christ as Lord in their hearts and be ready to explain their faith. This defense of the faith should be done with gentleness and respect, demonstrating humility rather than arrogance. Peter emphasizes that believers should be prepared to share their hope, not with aggression, but with a humble spirit that reflects Christ's love.
1 Peter 3:16 (NKJV) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
Christians are to maintain a clear conscience by living with integrity, even when falsely accused. Peter assures them that those who slander their righteous behavior will eventually be put to shame by the very example of their goodness. The godly conduct of believers serves as a powerful testimony to their faith, even in the face of false accusations.
1 Peter 3:17 (NKJV) For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Peter reminds his readers that it is far better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. If suffering comes as a result of following God’s will, it carries purpose and meaning. By enduring suffering for righteousness, believers participate in the sufferings of Christ and witness to the power of the gospel.
1 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
Peter connects the believers' suffering to Christ’s own suffering. Christ, though sinless, suffered for the sins of the unrighteous to reconcile humanity to God. His death in the flesh was the ultimate sacrifice, but His resurrection by the Spirit brings life. Believers, when they suffer for doing good, reflect Christ's own redemptive suffering and participate in His victory over sin and death.
1 Peter 3:19-20 (NKJV) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
These verses refer to Christ, through the Spirit, proclaiming His victory to the "spirits in prison," understood as those who were disobedient in Noah's time. The focus is on the longsuffering of God, who waited patiently while Noah built the ark, and on the salvation of the few who were faithful. Peter points out that God’s mercy extended even during times of rebellion, emphasizing the importance of righteousness in the face of a wicked generation.
1 Peter 3:21 (NKJV) There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Peter compares Noah's deliverance through water to Christian baptism. Baptism symbolizes salvation, not as a mere physical washing, but as a pledge of a clear conscience before God. This salvation is only possible through the resurrection of Jesus, which secures believers’ redemption. The act of baptism points to a spiritual renewal and a commitment to live in accordance with God’s will.
1 Peter 3:22 (NKJV) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
Peter concludes by pointing to Christ’s exaltation after His resurrection. Jesus now reigns at the right hand of God, with all spiritual beings and powers in submission to Him. This victory assures believers that no matter the trials or suffering they face, Christ's authority and power provide ultimate security. His triumph over sin, death, and spiritual forces gives Christians the hope of sharing in His eternal reign.