1 Peter 3:1-6

Submission Applied to Wives

Peter continues, in 1 Peter 3:1, to give instructions on submission, as the word "likewise" would indicate. In 2:13 he dealt with government and in 2:18 with masters. God knew that in any endeavor where more than one person was involved someone would have to take the lead, so, in marriage he made the husband the head over the wife (Ephesians 5:22-29; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:5).

Husbands are directed to love their wives, so this submission should be a happy one. This is especially true since they are to love their wives as they do their own body and as Christ loved the church and died for it. The submission enjoined by Peter is particularly directed to the Christian woman whose husband has not obeyed the gospel. Woods tells us, "Do not obey" "is translated from a term which denotes a degree of antagonism in addition to disobedience, plus an element of stubbornness. It means, literally, not to allow one's self to be persuaded." Such men will refuse to hear their wife's pleadings, but may be persuaded to obey by the good example they see in her daily Christian living.

Thayer says the word "observe" means, "to look upon, view attentively; to watch." Evidently this unbelieving husband is watching his wife to see what impact Christianity will have on her. So, her reverent (meaning of fear) subjection to him will make a good impression (1 Peter 3:2). Woods notes that verses 3-4 should be regarded as a Hebraism, which is a figure of speech used to encourage others to do a good work. Just as John 6:27 does not forbid Christ's followers from working for their daily bread but encourages them to count spiritual meat as far more important, so does this verse encourage a Christian woman to be most concerned with her inward, spiritual beauty. She should not give over much attention to outward appearance, but should devote herself to adorning the inward man (Romans 7:22; 2 Corinthians 4:16). This apparel will not perish with this earth, but will last through eternity. Her jewelry should be a mildness of disposition and gentle spirit. Such a person would not be selfish, proud, or stubborn. A yielding and patient attitude will truly adorn her life. God counts such women a prized possession.

In support of his previous point, Peter recalled the lives of faithful women of the past who placed their trust in God and hoped for His promises (Hebrews 11:11; Hebrews 11:23; Hebrews 11:35).

They cloaked their lives in quiet subjection to their husbands and service to God. Coffman does well to point out that Sarah thought of Abraham as Lord even to herself when no one else was around (Genesis 18:12). Her calling him Lord simply shows she was in subjection. Woods says, "whose daughters you are" is literally, "whose daughters you became." The idea is that when they put on a meek and quiet spirit and lived in subjection they became Sarah's daughters by being like her in action. Christian women continue to be Sarah's daughters as long as they do the Lord's will and do not let someone terrorize them into failing to continue in calm obedience (1 Peter 3:5-6).