Exposition of 1 Peter Chapter Three
First Peter chapter 3 provides instruction on Christian conduct within marriage and in the face of suffering, drawing connections to Christ's own endurance. The chapter begins with an exhortation to wives, particularly those with unbelieving husbands, to be submissive [3, 4]. This submission is not merely outward but is intended to be a powerful witness, potentially leading their husbands to faith "without a word" through their respectful and pure conduct [3, 4].
Peter emphasizes that a wife's adornment should not be primarily external, such as elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fine clothing [1, 2]. Instead, he calls for the "inner person" to be adorned with "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit," which is highly valued by God [1, 2]. This internal beauty is exemplified by holy women of the past, such as Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him lord [4].
The apostle then addresses husbands, instructing them to live with their wives in an understanding way, showing them honor as "a fellow heir of the grace of life" [4]. This mutual respect is crucial so that their prayers are not hindered [4].
Beyond marital relations, Peter broadens his counsel to all believers, urging them to be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble [3]. He advises against returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but rather to bless others, for this is the inheritance to which they were called [3]. This section includes a quotation from Psalm 34, emphasizing the pursuit of peace and righteousness [3].
A significant portion of the chapter encourages believers to endure suffering for righteousness' sake, promising blessing for those who do [3]. Peter assures them not to fear those who intimidate them, but to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts" and always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they possess, doing so with gentleness and respect [3]. He connects this suffering to Christ's own experience, noting that Christ also suffered once for sins, "the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" [3]. This suffering culminated in Christ being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit [3].
The chapter concludes with a reference to Christ's proclamation to the spirits in prison, linking it to the ark of Noah and baptism as a symbol of salvation [3]. This baptism is described not as the removal of dirt from the body, but as "an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" [3]. Christ's ascension to heaven, where he is at God's right hand with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him, underscores his ultimate triumph and authority [3].
Sources
- 1 Peter “1 Peter 3:3 (NASB) — Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;”
- I Peter “I Peter 3:3 (Rotherham) — Whose adorning, let it be—not the outward, of plaiting the hair and wearing golden ornaments, or putting on of apparel,”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 3 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 1 PETER 3 In this chapter the apostle instructs wives how to behave towards their husbands, and husbands how to behave towards their wives; and then exhorts to various things common to all Christians, and particularly to suffer patiently for righteousness sake; to which he encourages them from the sufferings of Christ, and the benefits resulting from them, on which he enlarges to the end of the chapter. He begins with the duty of wives to their husbands, even unbelieving ones, which is subjection to them, urged from the profitable effect”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:1: 3:1-7 The last of Peter’s three exhortations about accepting authority (2:13–3:7) concerns wives and husbands (cp. Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19). 3:1 accept the authority of (literally submit to): Wives are instructed to acknowledge that God has appointed the husband as head of the relationship (see 2:13; Eph 5:22-25). Submission in the ancient world took the form of obedience (see 1 Pet 3:6). God also intends the husband to be a loving and respectful head (3:7; see Eph 5:25-30). However, Peter focuses especially on wives with pagan husbands who would potentially be h”