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1 Peter 3:1-6
The Apostle Peter directs this passage to the wives and gives instruction that is directed at a conduct becoming in the eyes of the Lord. He tells the wives that “likewise” they should be submissive to your own husbands (verse 1). But the word “likewise” directs us to what the conduct of the wives should be like. If we look back to 1 Peter 2:21-23 we will find the example as set by Christ Jesus who committed Himself to God, the righteous judge. Peter goes on to say that wives should set the example of Christ Jesus in their lives, that even if their husbands are not believers, they may be led to Christ through the example set by their wives. Don’t let just your outward appearance be beautified with jewelry and fine apparel, but let the incorruptible beauty of your heart flow outwardly and show the beauty of the quiet and gentle spirit, which is very precious in God’s eyes (verse 3-4). Peter says for the wives to portray this conduct in one’s life is being the daughters of Sarah, who gave respect to her husband Abraham with confidence showing no fear.
This is an example of the conduct instructed for the wives who are believers in Christ Jesus.
This attitude of submission of wives to their husbands does seem a little out of bounds in our present world of equality, but this is God’s view of the relationship between the husband and the wife. But we must also be clear; Peter is not saying in this passage that a wife should submit to an abusive relationship or follow her husband’s instruction that is not respectful of the love and honor that Christ Jesus first showed us. For this model to be successful, the husband must also do his part in presenting himself acceptable to the Lord. The successful marriage is of the husband and the wife working together as one in Christ Jesus with respect for one another in their individual roles as husband and wife. The wife should not fear her husband because she should have no reason to fear him – he is to be her protector and “lift her up” as the glory of his life given to him by God. This is reason for celebration! Our views of marriage have been tainted today by the secular view of individualism which goes against the togetherness of marriage. Wives, you must learn to trust and believe in your husbands; and to the husbands – you must learn to be the protector of your wife and lift her up in praise to God for the glory He has given you in her. A wife and a husband must work together in Christ to be successful in marriage and in the eyes of God.
Dear LORD,
You have given us instruction today for the proper attitude of the wife in respect to her husband – in Christ. It is not in our nature to give of ourselves to another as our wants and needs tend to point inward to self, but help us both as wives and husbands to gain a better understanding of the unity of marriage in working together to become one – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.