Live in Harmony

1 Peter 3:1-12

Wives (3:1-6)

In this passage, Peter provides instruction to wives, and we must carefully note that the passage begins with “in the same way.” This is important because Peter has just instructed slaves to submit themselves to their masters (2:18). At the time the letter was written, wives had the same social status as slaves: they had no property and no rights, the wife was considered another possession of the husband. Peter was no more blessing this arrangement than endorsing slavery. He was instructing the women to submit themselves to an unfair and dehumanizing arrangement. As he reminded the slaves, this is the example of Christ for all of us (2:21). The inequitable arrangement that left man with power over woman is a result of the fall from grace (Genesis 1:27; 3:16). Peter instructs women to submit themselves to this arrangement for the purpose of redemption.

The specific instruction Peter gives to women is to pursue inner beauty. This should not be understood as a prohibition of “adornment” as the Bible celebrates such finery and other aspects of physical beauty in its proper place (Song of Songs 1:10-11). Instead, Peter stresses the redemptive power of a gentle and quiet spirit, that is, the spirit of Christ (Matthew 5:5; 11:29; 21:4-5).

Husbands (3:7)

Peter’s instruction to husbands is relatively brief, and begins with the command to live in a way that is considerate of their wives, perhaps especially considering what was and continues to be their inferior social status. The term translated in the NIV as “weaker partner” is an interesting one. The word translated weaker (poieō) is elsewhere translated as “do” or “make” as in “he must turn from evil and do good “ (3:11). The term translated “partner” (skeuos) is elsewhere translated “property”, “jar”, or “instrument” (Matthew 12:29; John 19:29; Acts 9:15). Though the translation may be confusing, it is clear that Peter intends for men to acknowledge that women are different, and at the same to treat them with consideration and respect.

In that respect, Peter reminds husbands that their wives are heirs with them, as Paul tells us that we are all co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). That this proper marriage arrangement will not “hinder your prayers” seems to be a reminder that marital conflict, as conflict in any other human relationships, puts us in conflict with God (1 Corinthians 7:5; Mark 11:25-26).

Live in Harmony (3:8-12)

In the conclusion of this section, Peter gives us the overriding message for slaves, wives, husbands, and all of us, a principal from which his previous, more specific instruction should be understood. This message is “live in harmony” and it is a consistent message of the New Testament writers (2 Corinthians 13:11, for example). This is no indication that we should forfeit matters of principal in favor of social harmony, but that we must address differences with an attitude of humility and submission (1 Thessalonians 5:15; Luke 6:27-31).

We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. (Romans 12:4-6a GNB)