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1 Peter 3

World English Bible

WEB

1In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word, 2seeing your pure behavior in fear. 3Let your beauty come not from the outward adorning of braiding your hair, and of wearing gold ornaments or of putting on fine clothing, 4but from the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. 5For this is how in the past the holy women who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands. 6So Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are if you do well and are not put in fear by any terror. 7You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 8Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, 9not rendering evil for evil or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13Now who will harm you if you become imitators of that which is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.” 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear, 16having a good conscience. Thus, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ. 17For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing evil. 18Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit, 19in whom he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20who before were disobedient when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Peter Chapter 3 addresses various aspects of Christian conduct, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with guidance for wives, encouraging them to submit to their husbands, even if they are not believers. This submission is not merely about obedience but is a powerful witness to the husbands, as it can lead them to faith through the pure and respectful behavior of their wives. The text highlights the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight, drawing on the example of holy women from the past, such as #Sarah, who submitted to #Abraham. This section underscores the value of character over outward appearance, promoting a deeper understanding of true beauty in the eyes of God.

The chapter then shifts to address husbands, urging them to be considerate and respectful towards their wives, recognizing them as co-heirs of the grace of life. This mutual respect is essential for a harmonious relationship and is tied to the effectiveness of their prayers. The latter part of the chapter encourages all believers to be compassionate, humble, and to repay evil with blessing, reflecting the teachings of Christ. Peter reminds the readers that suffering for doing good is commendable and aligns with the example of Christ, who suffered for our sins, providing a model of endurance and hope. The chapter concludes with a call to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God watches over His people and will ultimately bring justice and restoration.

In summary, 1 Peter 3 emphasizes the importance of godly relationships, both in marriage and within the broader Christian community, encouraging believers to reflect Christ’s love and grace in all their interactions. It serves as a reminder that our conduct can be a powerful testimony to the world around us, leading others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
#1Peter #ChristianConduct #Marriage #Submission #SufferingForGood

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 34:15v12Psalm 34:15 speaks of the eyes of the Lord being on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry, which is quoted in 1 Peter 3:12 to assure believers of God's attentive care.
  2. Proverbs 31:25v3Proverbs 31:25 speaks of strength and dignity as the clothing of the virtuous woman, paralleling 1 Peter 3:3-4, which emphasizes inner beauty and a gentle spirit.
  3. Isaiah 3:16v3Isaiah 3:16 criticizes the pride and vanity of the women of Zion, contrasting with 1 Peter 3:3-4, which encourages women to focus on inner beauty and a gentle spirit.
  4. Matthew 5:10v14Matthew 5:10 speaks of those persecuted for righteousness being blessed, which is reinforced in 1 Peter 3:14, encouraging believers not to fear suffering for righteousness' sake.
  5. 1 Corinthians 7:14v1Paul discusses the sanctifying effect of a believing spouse on an unbelieving partner, which is similar to Peter's encouragement in 1 Peter 3:1-2 for wives to win over their husbands through their conduct.
  6. Ephesians 5:25v7Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, which is complemented by 1 Peter 3:7's call for husbands to honor their wives.
  7. 1 Timothy 2:9-10v31 Timothy 2:9-10 advises women to dress modestly and focus on good deeds, which is similar to 1 Peter 3:3-4 where women are encouraged to let their beauty be that of the inner self.
  8. 2 Timothy 4:2v152 Timothy 4:2 emphasizes the importance of preaching the word in all seasons, which aligns with 1 Peter 3:15's call to always be ready to give an answer for the hope within.
  9. 3 John 1:11v113 John 1:11 encourages believers to imitate good, not evil, aligning with 1 Peter 3:11's exhortation to turn from evil and do good.

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