What does 1 Peter 3:6 mean?

This concludes a thought begun in verse 5, as well as Peter's instructions to Christian wives begun in verse 1.

Earlier, Peter pointed out examples of women who had come before. These were holy women, who hoped in God, and exemplary in how they lived in front of their husbands. Since all Christian women reading this now are also "holy"—set apart for God's purposes, not those of the world—they should also find their true beauty, in part, by submitting to their own husbands.

Peter cites the example of Abraham's wife Sarah. Jewish readers would have grown up learning about Abraham and Sarah. A major part of Israel's history was how they trusted God to lead them through a strange country, into a new home and to give them children to begin the nation of Israel. Those readers would also remember that Sarah was renowned for her great beauty. And, that Abraham was not exactly a model husband. In fact, Abraham feared he would be killed by men who wanted Sarah for themselves. So, he let those men believe he and Sarah were not married, and to take her home! Twice!

Peter insists that Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him "lord" because she put her trust in God, not in Abraham. Women who make that same choice, and refuse to give into fears about being provided for, or personal worth, or what they feel they deserve, will become Sarah's children by being like her.

Notice that Sarah, not Abraham, is the one Peter holds out as honorable in this passage. Those who follow her example also receive honor, attain an unfading beauty, and succeed in pleasing God.