1 Peter 3:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

NIV: like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

NASB: just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

CSB: just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do what is good and do not fear any intimidation.

NLT: 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.

KJV: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

NKJV: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

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.

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.