We are to live like Jesus, says Peter, so unbelievers will watch our behavior and worship God. In chapter 2, Peter said believers should “live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (v. 12). Peter had explained how this should be demonstrated in their relationship with governing authorities and between believing slaves and their unbelieving owners. In chapter 3, he turns his focus to marriage, specifically to a wife with an unbelieving husband or a husband with an unbelieving wife.
Probably the most surprising aspect of Peter’s message is that he addressed the wives at all. In the culture of that day, a wife would adopt the religion of their husband. Peter here assumes she has not. The question then is how these women should relate to their unbelieving husbands. Peter says they should practice the Christian virtue of submission (v. 1) to win their spouse over through the “purity and reverence of your lives” (v. 2).
Peter also cautions against flaunting wealth or status through clothing (v. 3). This critique would apply mainly to upper class women who could afford more than simple clothing. Instead, they were to showcase the “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (v. 4). As with all believers, they were to be calm and peaceful, not quarrelsome or restless (1 Tim. 2:2; Matt. 5:5; Isa. 66:2). Sarah is held up as an example (v. 6).
Husbands were to treat their wives with respect and consideration (v. 7). In a culture where it would have been easy for a husband to intimidate or abuse his wife because of social and physical advantages, Peter warns against it. Abusing one’s spouse not only goes against Christian ethics but will “hinder your prayers” (v. 7). If you want a close relationship with God, you must cherish your spouse.
Go Deeper
What part of Peter’s advice to men and to women do you think is particularly needed by the modern-day Christian?
Pray with Us
Lord, it is often easy to forget that our actions and behaviors toward the ones we are closest to can be a light for You. May we treat each other with purity and reverence, respect and consideration.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment.1 Peter 3:3
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