1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3 provides guidance on how Christians should live to inherit blessings, focusing on relationships such as husbands and wives, and general conduct among all people. Peter emphasizes the importance of humility, love, and seeking peace in interactions, encouraging believers to follow Christ's example even when facing suffering or injustice.

1 Peter 3:1-7 (NKJV)
1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,
2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—
4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Peter addresses Christian wives and husbands about their roles, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding within the marriage. For wives, the focus is on demonstrating faith through pure and respectful behavior, influencing their husbands positively, especially those who do not believe. For husbands, understanding and honoring their wives is crucial to maintaining a harmonious relationship, which affects their spiritual lives, including their prayers.

1 Peter 3:8-12 (NKJV)
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Peter expands his instructions to all believers, advocating for unity, empathy, and love within the community. He emphasizes the importance of not retaliating when wronged but instead responding with blessings, as this behavior aligns with their calling and leads to receiving blessings themselves. He quotes from Psalm 34 to reinforce the idea that righteous behavior, which includes controlling one’s speech and seeking peace, attracts God’s favor and protection.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (NKJV)
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Peter discusses the potential for suffering due to righteousness and encourages believers to not fear persecution but to continue honoring Christ in their hearts. He stresses the importance of being prepared to explain their faith gently and respectfully when questioned, ensuring their actions always reflect their beliefs. This integrity in conduct not only defends against false accusations but also potentially shames the accusers.

1 Peter 3:18-20 (NKJV)
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

This passage teaches that Christ suffered and died for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring people to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Through the Spirit, He preached to the "spirits in prison"—those who were disobedient in Noah’s time when God's patience waited while the ark was being prepared. This does not mean Christ preached to dead people, but rather that His Spirit, through Noah, warned the people of their impending judgment. Sadly, only a few—eight souls—were saved through the ark, symbolizing salvation through faith and obedience. The passage highlights Christ’s victory over sin and the importance of responding to God's call while there is still time.

1 Peter 3:21-22 (NKJV)
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

This passage explains that baptism symbolizes salvation, just as Noah and his family were saved through water. However, it is not the physical act of washing but the answer of a good conscience toward God through faith in Christ’s resurrection. Baptism represents a commitment to God, made possible through Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The passage emphasizes that Christ, after His resurrection, has ascended to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with all angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. This affirms His supreme authority and the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Him.