1 Pet 3.1-22 tells us how wives should relate to their husbands; letting their dress and ornaments not be for an outward show only, but internal as well; how husbands are to give proper honor to their wives, living with them as co-heirs of the Olam Haba so that their prayers may not be hindered; a general admonition to pursue unity and kindness; never competing with evil and quoting Psa 34 demonstrating the blessing that awaits those who do not compete with evil; to remember Yeshua’s example about trials, patience and victory.
v 1…In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands (as her head of influence-1 Cor 11.1-16) so that even if any are disobedient to the word (not Torah observant) they may be won over without a word (of preaching) by their behavior (conduct, lifestyle) of their wives,
v 2…as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior (in all areas).
v 3…And let not your adornment be merely external-braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry, and putting on dresses (there is nothing wrong with these things, but don’t let your intent be on outward appearances only);
v 4…but the hidden person of the heart, with imperishable quality and of a gentle and quiet spirit (parallelism with “heart”) which is precious in the sight of God.
v 5…For in this way in former times the holy women (wives of the patriarchs) also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves being submissive to their own husbands (as their head of influence).
v 6…Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him lord, and you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear (being kind, hospitable, with love and faith in action, no timidity).
v 7…You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way (according to knowledge) as with weaker vessels (physically), since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow-heir of the grace of life (eternal life), so that your prayers may not be hindered (this refers to the prayers of the husband if he does not respect her needs, etc).
v 8…To sum up (finally), let all harmonious (of one mind), sympathetic (compassion), brotherly, kind-hearted, and humble in spirit;
v 9…not returning evil for evil (competing with evil), or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
v 10…For “Let him who means to love life and see good days refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
v 11…And let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
v 12…For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who are evil (Psa 34.12-16).”
v 13…And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good (in general; God’s protection can carry us through the world and its challenges)?
v 14…But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness (on account of it; as defined in the Torah-Matt 5.10), you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,
v 15…but sanctify (with a kedusha; set apart) Messiah as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense (Greek “apologian” or answer-Col 4.6) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (to do this one must study the Scriptures);
v 16…and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Messiah may be put to shame.
v 17…For it is better if God should will it so (the two wills of God are the will of command and the will of decree), that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
v 18…For Messiah also died for sins once and for all, just for unjust, in order that he might bring us to God (who were afar off in unbelief), having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
v 19…in which he went and made proclamation (through Noah-2 Pet 2.4-5; he preached to that evil generation), whose spirits are now in prison,
v 20…who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons were brought safely through water.
v 21…And corresponding to that, immersion now saves you (Messiah is the place of safety, not the water; faith brings us into the Messiah, like the ark, and all his benefits and purposes)-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God to have a good conscience through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah,
v 22…who is at the right hand of God (position of power), having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to him (and under his control).
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