1 Peter 3:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,

NIV: For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands,

NASB: For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands,

CSB: For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also adorned themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands,

NLT: This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands.

KJV: For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

NKJV: For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

This verse begins a thought which is completed in verse 6. This last statement concludes Peter's instructions to Christian wives, regarding being subject to their husbands. Even if these men are unsaved, they are to present a gentle and quiet spirit.

In the previous verses, Peter told women not to obsess on superficial beauties such as hair and jewelry. Rather, they should seek the ageless, God-pleasing beauty which comes from the inside, from a gentle and quiet spirit. Peter is writing specifically to Christian wives. These women should see themselves as set apart from the world and preparing to depart for their home in heaven. He is writing to women who have placed their hope in God.

Peter now asks these women to follow the example of other holy women, women who also hoped in God. Those women adorned themselves with beauty, in part, by submitting to their own husbands.

Again, it's key to see that Peter is not commanding all women to obey, or even submit, to all men. Nor that any wife should submit to other women's husbands, only to their own. Further, as discussed in verses 2 and 3, "submission" and "obedience" are two different things. This means a Christian wife might well disobey her husband's sinful instructions, but do so in a submissive way. Also, Peter is not suggesting that unbelieving women should be expected to live this way, necessarily; he is describing the lifestyle of the "holy" women who hope in God through faith in Christ.

1 Peter 3:1–7 continues Peter’s command to Christians, specifically, that they should be subject to human authorities. Here he tells Christian wives to be subject to their husbands, even unbelieving husbands. Why? In part, husbands may be won to Christ by the example of their Christ-changed wives. Christian husbands are also commanded to honor their wives or risk having their prayers hindered.

Peter continues teaching about Christian submission to human authorities, now addressing Christian wives. Believing wives must be subject to their own husbands, even if the husband is not a follower of Christ. By doing so, they might win them to Christ through the example of their own changed lives and hearts. Christian husbands must honor their wives. All believers must live in unity together and refuse to seek revenge. In part, God means to use our hopeful response to suffering to provoke the world to see His power in us. Christ, too, suffered and then died, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven.

Peter’s letter to persecuted Christians is about how to endure suffering for faith in Christ. Thus far, he has assured Christians that their future is secure in eternity with God. We are His holy people, set apart for His specific purposes. Because of this, it matters that we live out that truth, even when we suffer. Christians are called to live in submission to every human authority, including kings, governors, and slave masters.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.