1 Peter 3:1

1 Peter 3:1 ‘In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without. word by the behavior of their wives,'

‘In the same way' -‘equally' (Thayer p. 445). In like manner to our subjection to pagan civil authorities (1 Peter 2:13), or submission to unreasonable masters or employers (1 Peter 2:18). Notice how this elevates women. God doesn't give. lower moral standard for women than He gives for men. Men are to remain in subjection, even in the most trying circumstances, and so are women. Peter doesn't say, ‘Wives, you are off the hook, because we all know you are too weak to handle this situation.' Peter doesn't view women are morally weaker than men. And neither does he view them as so delicate that they faint at anything and everything. ‘Particularly, the subject of the previous verses had been obedient subjection, even if one is mistreated.' (Oberst p. 144)

‘be submissive' -‘subject oneself, be subjected, subordinated, obey' (Arndt p. 848). Notice that submission doesn't count, unless it is voluntarily given. ‘Peter sees the self as involved, voluntarily or volitionally…Voluntary submission because of our commitment to Christ does not demean, debase, or degrade one; such action on our part---wherever it is appropriate-exalts our God…(1 Corinthians 11:3).' (Oberst p. 144) POINTS TO NOTE: 1. Christianity doesn't erase the obligation between wives and husbands. Religious feminists who claim that Christianity releases. woman from the obligation to obey her husband, must also concede that such logic would release. husband from the obligation to support his family (1 Timothy 5:8), or love his wife (Ephesians 5:22). 2. Society cannot change the above truth. ‘Society cannot change this. Political theories and practices do not change it. Philosophical principles do not change it. Social movements cannot set it aside.' (Hamilton p. 123) 3. And always remember that subjection doesn't inherently imply inferiority. Husband and wife are both equal before God (Galatians 3:28). Grudem writes, ‘submission to. husband's authority within. healthy marriage might not often involve obeying commands…for. husband may rather give requests and seek advice…Nevertheless, an attitude of submission to. husband's authority will be reflected in numerous words and actions each day which reflect deference to his leadership and an acknowledgment of his final responsibility----after discussion has occurred, where possible---to make decisions affecting the whole family.' (p. 137)

‘to your own husbands' -God is fair.

‘so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word' -‘Disobedient'-‘refuse or withhold belief' (Thayer p. 55); ‘refuse to be persuaded, refuse belief ‘ (Vine p. 319); ‘more than. negative meaning, one who sets himself in direct opposition to the word of God.' (P.P. Comm. p. 128); ‘so that if any of them reject the message' (TCNT). ‘”obey not” is translated from. term which denotes. degree of antagonism in addition to disobedience, plus an element of stubbornness, means lit., not to allow one's self to be persuaded.' (Woods p. 87) 1. This says something regarding the person who rejects the gospel. One must work at not being converted when they are hearing the gospel message. Unbelief is more of. moral problem (a problem of not being honest, open and willing to accept what is right),than an intellectual problem. This is one reason why “unbelief” and “disobedience” as viewed as synonyms in the Bible (Hebrews 3:18; John 3:36). 2. Some wives may have thought that ‘subjection' didn't apply if their husband wasn't. Christian. 3. This statement also proves that the non-Christian is completely under God's marriage law. For that non-Christian husband, is the husband of this woman, in every sense of the word, including his authority. She is to be in subjection to him, just as much as she would be obligated to be in subjection to. Christian husband. 4. Carefully note that the wives are not told to leave their husbands. Hardship isn't. cause for divorce (1 Corinthians 7:12 ff). 5. Listen to this quote: ‘they should not allow their freedom in Christ and domestic discomfort (with some understandable hurt and anger) to make them feel superior to their husbands and obey them less. Instead they are to be model wives. This seeking to please is far more likely to win their husbands over than continual nagging. It will also commend Christianity to the wider society.' (Davids p. 116) 6. Also note that the soul of the other mate is more important than the temporary comfort or fulfillment of the Christian mate. Instead of thinking, ‘but what about my feelings', we need to always think, ‘but what about their soul?'

‘even if any of them' -While some commentators suggest that most Christian women in this region were married to non-Christian men, the verse infers the opposite. Like today, the typical marriage involving Christians in the First Century, was between two Christians.

‘the word' -i.e. the Gospel Message. POINTS TO NOTE: 1. What makes one an unbeliever is disobedience to the Word (Mark 16:16). But some are trying to tell us that we can still be. believer in Christ, even though we don't accept what the Bible says. 2. What makes one. believer isn't feelings, ‘i.e.. feel like. believer'. Rather, it is. submissive and loving response to God's message. 2. Evidently, someone had tried to reach this husband with the gospel, but he refused to hear it or accept it.

‘they may be won' -(Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 9:19). Hence the expressions ‘soul winning', ‘winning souls', etc…are biblical terms.

‘without. word' -‘apart from the word' (Wey) POINTS TO NOTE: 1. The phrase, ‘apart from the word', probably refers to words coming from the wife. For. person can never be won apart from the Word of God (Romans 10:17; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15). 2. ‘Rather than attempting to argue, verbally contend with, “talk down” or out-talk one's husband with words regarding his spiritual needs, the apostle would instruct the wives to let their consecrated lives, their humble subjection, their meek and quiet spirit (v. 4) speak out in bold relief against his ungodliness and rebellion. Compare 1 Peter 2:12, 1 Peter 2:12.' (Oberst p. 146) 3. Notice that this rule applies where one has already attempted to get. class with someone, taught them, etc….but such attempts or endeavors have been rejected soundly. Carefully note that. good example-apart from the gospel won't save anyone.

‘by the behavior of their wives' -‘Here is an example where “silent eloquence” is more effective than vigorous debate.' (Woods p. 87). POINTS TO NOTE: 1. Never underestimate the power of your example! 2. We need to realize when the ball is in our court. If one is married to. non-Christian, the most powerful influence upon your non-Christian spouse (besides the Word of God), is your example. Not the example of other Christians-but your example. 3. The examples and efforts of other Christians cannot make up for the example that you must set. 4. Hence the advice which any elder, preacher or member needs to give to someone who says, ‘Help, my mate doesn't care about spiritual things, they don't care about the spiritual needs of myself or my children.' Is, ‘Go home, and be the best example of. husband or wife, which that mate could never hope to have.' 5. ‘Act like. Christian in your marriage' often can accomplish more than any amount of marriage counseling or other outside help.