1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 

3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

1 Peter 3:1-6 (NLT) 中文 

Louder than words

Now that we understand from the previous chapter how to submit to authorities and have the perfect example of Christ, Peter now gives us some practical ways to carry this out in our daily lives. He begins with wives. They should submit to their husbands – focusing on inward beauty (not that outward beauty is wrong), developing a gentle and quiet spirit which speaks louder than words.

Wives application

After reading the supreme example of Christs’ submission and suffering we come to “In the same way, you wives.” Does that shock you? I thought I turned to the wrong book. It certainly grabs our attention. Wives are to follow the example of Christ – of submission and suffering. This is true. But it does not mean husbands are off the hook. The context tells us one direct positive outcome of wive’s obedience: it can affect their husbands. More than that, it is “precious to God.” (v4)

Does this pertain only to those who are followers of Christ, non-believers or both? I believe it seems to apply to believers for he says, “disobedient to the Word” (in NASB) rather than, “doesn’t believe in Christ”. Regardless, Peter’s point is that wives should submit first to God then submit to their husbands in obedience and faith. Then pray God will protect them and use them to influence their husbands. Note: I concur with Constable Commentary that  cases of physical abuse and sin are exceptions.

No fear

As wives trust God and obey their husbands as Sarah did, verse 6 tells wives they don’t need to fear. NLT says, “without fear of what your husbands might do” – which is an interpretation given the context of Abraham. NASB says, “without being frightened by any fear” – the more literal translation. 

Abraham lied two times about Sarah’s identity to protect himself. Sarah trusted God in these situations which enabled her to trust her husband – even as he was sinning. The message is quite clear to wives: trust God then trust your husband. There is special protection for the wife (and the children) when they first submit to God – following the example of Christ. Then, in obedience, wives can submit to their husbands (noting the exceptions above).

RЯeflection

• Wives, are you bombarded with the world’s way of thinking of relationships, especially that husbands and wives are equal in all ways? You should see from this that, by God’s design, that’s not true. And there is a purpose. Seek the Lord to understand and apply this passage. If you’re not married and plan to, prepare for marriage to a Godly man. If single for life, maybe you can encourage married women.
• Husbands, don’t get too excited about this for selfish reasons. You’re up next. And Paul in Ephesians 5:25 lays down the gauntlet and challenges husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Now that is impossible! As we do, however, it makes it easier for wives to submit to husbands.