1 Peter 3:1-7
Today's Passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7
This text is culturally charged. When read through the eyes of the world, it’s the bomb that brings down the inerrancy of Scripture. It may even be a little jarring for us to read, but if we dive in we will see that we don’t have to explain away this text, but can see and apply God’s design for marriage even in 2024.
Peter has already instructed a believer’s relationship with God and government, and how slaves can honor God with how they live and work. Now, Peter turns his focus to marriage relationships.
To better understand our text, it’s crucial to understand that Peter grounds all of these commands in humility and love in 3:8 (ESV): “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” The aim of all of these sections is to live within the framework of Christian humility and love.
Wives, you are called to submit to your husband. This is the same word used in Eph 5, Col 3, 1 Cor 11, and elsewhere. This is not a call to submission so that your husband can rule or domineer over you, but a call to model and exemplify Christ’s character within the marriage. In this case, Peter says that this sort of example of submission and pure conduct can win a non-believing husband to the Lord! In other words, your attitude and example within a marriage tells a story of who Jesus is! A Savior who submitted to the will of the Father to rescue us sinners (Luke 22:42).
“Do not let your adorning be external.” Peter gives three examples (braided hair, fine jewelry, and clothing) of ways the women in his day adorned themselves to show their wealth, worth, or beauty. He does this not to prohibit all women from braiding their hair, but to show that none of that stuff matters. Inward beauty - a heart and spirit that reflects Jesus - is how wives should seek to adorn themselves.
Again, this may sound archaic and outdated by today’s standard, but it is actually freedom…Freedom from having to submit to the world’s view of women. Freedom from having to adorn yourself with the world’s ideas of beauty. Freedom to enjoy marriage God’s way.
Husbands, you are called to honor your wives - not with power or strength or authority, but with grace. (“Weaker vessel” is speaking of your physical strength, not intellectual or spiritual) You are called to model Christ in how you elevate and honor your wife. Treating her with the same care, humility, and love that Christ gave to us. The way you treat your bride is directly related to the way the Lord hears/answers your prayers. I’m not even 100% sure what that means…but I know that for a husband/man of God, the way we honor our wives is essential for our walk with the Lord.
Finally, husbands and wives, be united in Christ. Show sympathy and compassion to one another. Outdo one another in love and humility so that your marriage will not only honor God but be a witness to God for all the world to see.
For those of you married:
For those who are single:
Written By: Joe Weaver
This text is culturally charged. When read through the eyes of the world, it’s the bomb that brings down the inerrancy of Scripture. It may even be a little jarring for us to read, but if we dive in we will see that we don’t have to explain away this text, but can see and apply God’s design for marriage even in 2024.
Peter has already instructed a believer’s relationship with God and government, and how slaves can honor God with how they live and work. Now, Peter turns his focus to marriage relationships.
To better understand our text, it’s crucial to understand that Peter grounds all of these commands in humility and love in 3:8 (ESV): “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” The aim of all of these sections is to live within the framework of Christian humility and love.
Wives, you are called to submit to your husband. This is the same word used in Eph 5, Col 3, 1 Cor 11, and elsewhere. This is not a call to submission so that your husband can rule or domineer over you, but a call to model and exemplify Christ’s character within the marriage. In this case, Peter says that this sort of example of submission and pure conduct can win a non-believing husband to the Lord! In other words, your attitude and example within a marriage tells a story of who Jesus is! A Savior who submitted to the will of the Father to rescue us sinners (Luke 22:42).
“Do not let your adorning be external.” Peter gives three examples (braided hair, fine jewelry, and clothing) of ways the women in his day adorned themselves to show their wealth, worth, or beauty. He does this not to prohibit all women from braiding their hair, but to show that none of that stuff matters. Inward beauty - a heart and spirit that reflects Jesus - is how wives should seek to adorn themselves.
Again, this may sound archaic and outdated by today’s standard, but it is actually freedom…Freedom from having to submit to the world’s view of women. Freedom from having to adorn yourself with the world’s ideas of beauty. Freedom to enjoy marriage God’s way.
Husbands, you are called to honor your wives - not with power or strength or authority, but with grace. (“Weaker vessel” is speaking of your physical strength, not intellectual or spiritual) You are called to model Christ in how you elevate and honor your wife. Treating her with the same care, humility, and love that Christ gave to us. The way you treat your bride is directly related to the way the Lord hears/answers your prayers. I’m not even 100% sure what that means…but I know that for a husband/man of God, the way we honor our wives is essential for our walk with the Lord.
Finally, husbands and wives, be united in Christ. Show sympathy and compassion to one another. Outdo one another in love and humility so that your marriage will not only honor God but be a witness to God for all the world to see.
For those of you married:
Talk with your spouse about your roles in 1 Peter 3. Do not blame. Own your specific role. “Here’s how I want to do a better job of …”
How is God’s view of marriage roles in 1 Peter 3 different from the world’s view?
What are the steps you can take now to prepare yourself to be a godly spouse?
Written By: Joe Weaver
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