“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”1 Peter 3:1-7
- The idea of “submission” of wives to husbands has often been interpreted as implying authoritative control and/or male dominance. How have you or how do you understand the idea of submission in the context of Christian marriage?
- By repeating the phrase “in the same way” to both wives and husbands, Peter clearly has something specific in mind? What is it exactly and what all does it involve?
- Is there something new to learn from Peter’s commands? Is there something for which to give thanks, to change or to repent?
- Does Peter’s words reveal things about God? If so, what are they?
