Verses 1-2 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
In the previous chapter the Apostle Peter was discussing submission: to man-made ordinances that do not conflict with God’s law and to masters whether good or bad. The Greek word translated as “likewise” in the verse above is “homoios” and it means equally or in the same way. So in the same way, wives are commanded to submit to or be subject to their husbands. Why? There are several reasons. First, when Eve sinned and encouraged Adam to do the same as recorded in Genesis chapter 3, God basically put a curse on Eve and all women. “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” Genesis 3:16 Originally, the woman was created to be an helpmate and she was equal to Adam. But sin changed everything that God had said was “good”. God then gave the husband the right to rule over the wife. This has never changed down through the centuries and this is a divisive topic and a lengthy discussion that will not be covered here. Secondly, unsaved husbands can observe their wives’ Christ-like attitude and actions and that may lead to them seeking forgiveness and accepting the LORD as their Savior.
Verses 3-6 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
The Greek word translated as “adorning” is “kosmos” and in this context, it means outside ornaments or decorations. Plaiting refers to interweaving or braiding to make an elaborate gathering of one’s hair. Wealthy women would often braid their hair and interweave gold, silver or jewels into the braids. The Apostle Peter is not condemning a woman looking attractive and taking the time to dress well and style her hair. What he is saying is that if the woman’s heart is ugly, dressing up the outside will not change the character of that woman no matter how attractive she is on the outside. And it is the heart of people that God is interested in, not their outside appearance. So a desirable wife is one that has a gentle, quiet and tranquil spirit. As such, she can submit to her husband and let him be the head of the family. The Old Testament women who were serving the LORD are examples for today’s Christian women to emulate so that God can bless their marriages and their families.
Verse 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
The instructions given above to wives is not to be an excuse for husbands to abuse their position and privilege in a marriage. Adam sinned also, so men are also the reason that there is an inequality in leadership roles in marriages and families. Notice the word “likewise” is used again when the Apostle Peter is addressing the men or husbands. In the same way, husbands are to submit to their wives in that they are to understand their wives, honor their wives, and recognize that their wives are weaker in both physical and emotional strength. In honoring them, husbands should listen to their wives opinions and ideas and the decision making should be shared when possible.
Application: The Apostle Peter states that a husband’s prayers can be hindered if he fails to treat his wife appropriately. The Greek word translated as “hinder” is “ekkopto” and it means to cut out or cut off. So it appears that a husband’s communication with the LORD can be cut off if he does not obey Jesus’ commandments to love God and love others. Showing respect, giving honor, and endeavoring to understand his wife is being loving. And of course, a wife needs to honor God by obeying the same commandments.
Verses 8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Christian believers should think alike in many respects as they are filled with the same Spirit of God who is directing their paths through this life. So there should be sympathy and empathy towards one another, brotherly love, tender heartedness and kindness. If a body of Christian believers are engaged in or displaying evil and unrighteous behavior towards each other, there is something very spiritually wrong.
Verses 10-11 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Long life in this physical body is more likely to happen when a believer is honoring his/her father and mother and honoring others in a way that is pleasing to the LORD Jesus Christ. Why?
Verse 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Because the LORD is hearing and answering the prayers of His people and blessing His people as He watches over them like a shepherd watches over the sheep. He preserves them. The face of any thing denotes the front side. On people, the face contains the eyes which see and observe. Even though God is a Spirit and does not have physical form except when manifesting as the LORD Jesus Christ, the idea here is that because He sees all, He knows the righteous from the wicked and He is attentive to the righteous but is not attentive to the wicked. However, should an unrighteous man or woman pray a sincere prayer of repentance and ask Him for salvation from sin, death and Hell, He will hear that prayer and answer it with His forgiveness, mercy and grace. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.” Proverbs 5:21 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
Verses 13-16 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Application: The Christian believer should expect to receive opposition in this sinful world that is the domain of Satan. The Christian believer is often accused or blamed unjustly for the things that are done by those serving Satan. Christians have always been made the scapegoat. So there should be no surprise when co-workers or unsaved family members come against the one following Jesus, or that the pagan governments of this world come against the Church.
Verses 17-18 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Application: It is difficult for the Christian believer to understand why a loving Father God would allow suffering among His people. And no amount of explanation will make it any more easier to understand. Biblical examples of suffering among the righteous are such people as Moses, Joseph, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, and so forth. Looking back at what happened in these men’s lives, it is clear that there was a divine purpose in being tossed into a well, betrayed and sold into slavery by family members, having to flee from a nation and its leader, living alone in the wilderness, being beaten and jailed, shipwrecked and bitten by a poisonous viper. But when these men were in tribulation, it is doubtful that they understood that the hand of God was in the difficulties they were facing. So this is where faith comes in. God’s promises are true and the Christian believer needs to trust in the promises and think like Joseph. “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20
Verses 19-20 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
False doctrine teaches that Jesus went to Hell during the time between His death on the cross and His appearing to the women at the tomb. This is blasphemy, plain and simple. There was no reason for Jesus to do so as those who reside in Hell have been judged and found wanting and sent there for eternity. Jesus went to Paradise. The Greek word translated as “paradise” is “paradeisos” and it just means paradise. It only occurs three times in the New Testament. “And he (the thief crucified with Jesus) said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 Jesus cannot lie. He said the thief would be with Him in paradise that very day, the day of crucifixion and physical death. Paradise is not Hell. The Apostle Paul went to Paradise. “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 So it appears that Paradise was the place that people who died from Adam and Eve to the flood went until Jesus appeared unto them and preached the Gospel.
Verses 21-22 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3)
The phrase, the “like figure whereunto”, means a thing formed after some pattern or a thing resembling another. The Flood event in Noah’s time was a thing resembling the baptism that Christian believers are commanded to do. So the people that died because of the flood in essence received baptism or total immersion in water. Then when Jesus went and preached to these spirits held in Paradise, they were already baptized. Jesus is now in Heaven, but His Spirit/Ghost is present in every believer living on the Earth. When things seem to be out of control and Satan seems to have the victory, remember that all angels, including the fallen angels and Satan, are subject to Him. They can only do what He allows them to do.