1 Peter 3

Submission to authority continued through the topic of marriage.  “Likewise” is tying two thought processes together, continuing from chapter 2.  Respectful-polite or showing deference.  Adorn-root word according to lexicon is Kosmos, which means arrange or order.  Respectful (vs 2) and fear anything that’s frightening (vs 6) is from the same root word for fear or panic.  Same root as phobia.  🤷🏼‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

(In no way does God ever ask us to stay in a harmful relationship.  These verses would apply to the general tension in a marriage as each seeks to follow God, individually and as a family. )

During the time frame this letter was written, if a woman “found religion”, she would often be on her own.  She didn’t have the influence to make her husband go to church.  All she could hope to do was show him a better way through her actions.  If she “ordered” herself perfectly, (same word for adorned is the word for cosmetics 🥰) looking beautifully put together with elaborate jewelry, that wouldn’t be enough to draw him.  It’s God’s kindness, often shown through the gentle and quiet spirit of someone who loves Christ Jesus, that leads to repentance. 

Also, culturally speaking, if a husband “found religion”, he was within his rights to drag the “weaker vessel”, his wife, along with his entire family, to church.  They would repeat the prayers he said, like it or not.  God through Peter is saying no, that’s not how a life lived in Christ works.  She is to be your co-heir in faith and an equal participant in the grace of life.  (A passage that has been used as an argument for oppression and degradation of women is actually an invitation by God Himself to walk exactly in line with our beloved husbands as we follow Jesus TOGETHER.) Now to everyone, there needs to be unity, harmony, love, tender heart, modesty.  Peter quoted Psalm 34:12-16 to authenticate his words by the authority of the Old Testament, about living together in harmony, not vengeance.  If you’re going to be passionate about something, let it be for good.  Don’t worry, don’t be afraid, just live to honor God with a clear conscience. When the world around you notices that you live differently, be ready with your own testimony of how God has changed you.  Don’t say it with a superior attitude, but with gentleness and respect.  If you suffer,  remember Christ suffered, too.  Noah suffered and was saved by the very flood that brought judgement. In the same way, baptism is a picture of the judgement, death, and resurrection.  Baptism doesn’t save us (if we think it does, then all we’ve had is a bath), but it’s a pledge in good conscience to the life of Christ, who reigns forever in heaven.  

This chapter changes me by reminding me of the personal way God loves me.  He loves me with makeup or without, as long as my worth isn’t wrapped up in either mindset.  He loves me even when the relationships around me are not specifically honoring to Him; instead of reacting in anger, He entrusts me with a spirit, patterned after His own Son, that can be gentle, quiet, respectful, pure, blessed, sympathetic, humble.   He allows me the great blessing of sharing His kindness to others, and the great joy of seeing that kindness draw others to repentance.  He “allows” these things, but it’s up to me to choose to follow through.  I pray that I will always choose to turn from evil and do good; to seek peace and pursue it.  As He entrusts His spirit to me for the benefit of others, I entrust myself into His hands, for my good and for His Glory.