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The Gospel Observer

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19,20).
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January 16, 2011
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Contents:

1) 1 Peter 3:1-7 (Tom Edwards) 
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1 Peter 3:1-7
by Tom Edwards

In 1 Peter 3:1-6, Peter writes: "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.  Your adornment must not be merely external -- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."

In this passage, Peter shows that wives are to be submissive to their husbands.  As we think of a reason for this role, we can consider what the Bible states in these following passages: 1 Corinthians 11:8,9: "For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake."  This is an allusion to Genesis 2:18,21-23, where God says, "...'It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.'"  "So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.   The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.   The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.'" 

Peter cites the specific example of Sarah, in 1 Peter 3:6, who obeyed her husband Abraham, calling him "lord" -- thus acknowledging the headship of her husband to rule over her.  This same principle is also set forth in Ephesians 5:22-24, where Paul gives the following instruction: "Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything."

A brief parallel passage of this is seen in Colossians 3:18, "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

Paul also shows of the man's headship over the woman in 1 Corinthians 11:3, "But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ."

So there are various verses that instruct the wife to be in subjection to her husband.  One other passage on this is Titus 2:4,5, where Paul directs the older women to teach and encourage the younger women "...to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

Peter then gives another good reason for why the wife should be in subjection to her husband in 1 Peter 3:1: "so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives."  The King James Version translates this as "that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives."  The phrase "without the word" sounds as if it is talking about the gospel.  But the NASB renders this as "without a word" -- meaning, as the passage continues to show, that the wife would be able to win her husband by her conduct, rather than by her speech.  That conduct would certainly not be without "the word" (the gospel).  Rather, it would be based on the gospel and expressed in even her silent demeanor.

The Greek word for "conversation," which the KJV uses in this passage, is "anastrophe"; and which the KJV also translates as "conversation" in all 13 places where it is used in the New Testament.  We have pointed out that this word had meant more than merely one's speech back in 1611 when the KJV was written.  Rather, it referred to one's behavior, in which speech would be just a part of it.   The NASB translates "anastrophe" as "behavior" (6),  "conduct" (4), "manner of life" (2), and "way of life" (1).  We can also note from the context of 1 Peter 3:1,2, that "conversation" would mean more than speech; for verse 2 (in the NASB) shows that the husband would be won as he observes his wife's "chaste and respectful behavior."  The Greek word for "chaste," in this verse, is  "hagnos." Thayer shows that this term can pertain to "exciting reverence, and venerable"; and also "pure from carnality, chaste, modest," "pure from every fault, immaculate...."  So "hagnos" indicates her purity of life.  The New International Version renders 1 Peter 3:2 as, "when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."

Going along with this holy conduct is the way in which the woman is to dress.  Peter states in 1 Peter 3:3, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel."  Plaiting the hair is the same as braiding it by weaving together three or more locks; but is the Bible really saying that hairstyles made in this way -- such as a "ponytail" or "pigtail" or where the hair is braided and wrapped around the head -- are forbidden?   Going along with this is the wearing of gold; but, again, does that mean that the wearing of any gold is wrong?  Though an ostentatious display of it would be, what about an engagement ring or a wedding ring that has gold in it?  If Peter is literally meaning that hair is never to be braided and gold of any amount is never to be worn, then what else is he saying in this verse?  He would then be also saying that apparel is not to be put on.  But, surely, he would not be teaching that.  1 Peter 3:3 needs to be seen in conjunction with 1 Peter 3:4: "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."   So what we have here in 1 Peter 3:3,4 is an "emphasis passage" -- or a "not-but" passage, as some would call it; and which we also have another example of in John 6:27, where Jesus states, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you...."  Jesus is not actually teaching that it is wrong for a person to have a secular job; rather, He is putting the emphasis on working for God -- for only that will lead to eternal life.  So, in a similar fashion, Peter is not saying that hair cannot ever be braided, nor that any amount of gold can never be worn, nor that clothes cannot be put on -- all of which are external things -- but, rather, he is emphasizing something more important than all of that.  Peter is emphasizing the godly conduct of the woman -- that inner quality that has even greater value.  Hear this passage (1 Peter 3:3,4) in the NASB, which makes it even clearer: "Your adornment must not be merely external -- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."  The word "merely" is in italics, so it wasn't in the original; but its use can be justified by implication of the passage itself.  For to leave out the idea of "merely," one would have to conclude that a woman is not to even wear dresses.  So this passage actually shows that the wife is not to be merely concerned with these external things of how she is going to wear her hair or what she's going to put on; but, rather, she needs to be even more concerned about developing that godly nature, which will find great favor with the Lord.  As Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 3:4, the woman needs to concentrate more on that "hidden person of the heart" -- to better develop for it that "imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."  The term "gentle" or "meek" (KJV) in 1 Peter 3:4 is from the Greek word "praus," which is also used in Matthew 5:5, where Jesus says, in giving the Beatitudes during His sermon on the mount, "Blessed are the gentle (meek, KJV), for they shall inherit the earth."  When the Lord, in Matthew 11:28-30, gives His invitation for all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest -- to take His yoke upon them and learn from Him -- He shows that one of the reasons they can do that is because He is "GENTLE and humble in heart"; and they would find rest for their souls.  Here the word "gentle" or "meek" (KJV) is from the same Greek word.  Bullinger defines this Greek word (praus) as "meek, gentle, enduring all things with an even temper, tender, free from haughty self-sufficiency, tender of spirit...."  The word "quiet," in this "quiet spirit" that the woman is to have, comes from the Greek word "hesuchios," which is defined as "making no agitation or disturbance, exciting no disturbance in others; tranquility arising from within" (Bullinger).  Thayer defines this Greek word as not only "quiet," but also as "tranquil."  It is interesting to note that there is also another Greek word, translated as "quiet"; but implies a "tranquility arising from without."  But, as we saw, with the one under consideration in 1 Peter 3:4, it pertains to a "tranquility arising from within."  This Greek word is used in just one other passage, and translated as "quiet" in 1 Timothy 2:2, where, in the context, Paul had urged the brethren to pray for all men everywhere -- including kings and all who are in authority --  "so that we may lead a tranquil and QUIET life in all godliness and dignity."

Paul had also given a similar instruction, concerning women, to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:9,10: "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness."  

Peter then refers to some examples of the past in 1 Peter 3:5,6.  These were "holy woman" who "hoped in God."  Interestingly, the Greek word for "hoped" (elpizo) is translated elsewhere in the NT as "expect" and "expected."  One's hope in the Lord is a sure thing.  This can also be seen in some other translations of this same Greek word, such as with the phrases "fixed her hope" and "fixed our hope."  For instance, as Paul states in 1 Timothy 4:10, "For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have FIXED OUR HOPE  on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." (That phrase "fixed our hope" is from the same Greek word, "elpizo," as in 1 Peter 3:5.)  These holy women who hoped in God also used to adorn themselves with that same kind of gentle and quiet spirit, being submissive to their husbands.  Peter states that Sarah also showed submission to her husband Abraham by calling him "lord," which can be seen in Genesis 18:12.  Here, "lord" is from the Hebrew word "Adon," which is translated in the NASB primarily as "lord" 177 times -- and with a little "L" when pertaining to a man, and even if that man were a king.  It's next major rendering is as "master" (91 times) -- and also with a little "M."  And, thirdly, as "master's" (the possessive, 24 times).  "Adonay" is the Hebrew word that is often translated as "Lord" -- with a capital "L"  for Deity.   "Adonay" is in about 457 passages.  (But the word that is most often translated as Lord is "YHVH," the "Tetragrammaton," which is said to be the personal name of God.  This Hebrew word is used more than 6,400 in the Old Testament and with every letter translated in small caps.  There are no vowels in this word.  Some have written it as "Jehovah," while others say that "Yahweh" would be a more accurate rendering.  But there are also other ways it could be translated, too.  So it is generally translated as just "LORD" in the Old Testament and standing for Deity -- and for Jesus, as well as for the Father.  

After addressing the wives, Peter then gives instruction to the husbands in 1 Peter 3:7: "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered."  The KJV words the beginning of this as, "Likewise, ye, husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge...."   The word "knowledge" comes from the Greek word "gnosis," which Bullinger defines as "knowing, or recognition, the knowledge or understanding of a thing, the insight which manifests itself in the thorough understanding of the subjects with which it meets and in the conduct determined thereby...."  The NIV translates this as, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect...."   

Peter refers to the woman as being "weaker."  Many versions translate this as a "weaker vessel," indicating that she is weaker than the man with regard to physical strength.  This is generally so.  It doesn't mean she is spiritually, morally, or intellectually weaker; for  that would not always be the case in comparing male and female.  One translation renders the word "weaker" as "a most delicate vessel."

Peter is writing to Christians; and, therefore, such was the case of the husbands whom he is addressing.  He points out to them that their wives are "fellow heir[s] of the grace of life," so this indicates that they are also Christians.  For would not the phrase "so that your prayers will not be hindered," imply that the husband needs to maintain that right relationship with his wife in order that they can truly engage in prayer together?  Of course, if the husband is treating his wife abusively or some other wrongful way that would certainly hinder his own prayer life as well.  For sin that is not repented of can keep one from having an acceptable prayer life.  Compare, for example, Isaiah 59:1,2: "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."

So as we consider these first seven verses of 1 Peter 3, we see that the wife can have a very positive impact upon her husband by simply setting forth the right kind of example.  Her actions, her demeanor, her way of life will speak for her, and that in itself will encourage her husband toward submitting to the gospel.  So it is that spiritual, inner quality that is far more important than merely the external -- and, therefore, is what the woman needs to be more concerned about.   And husbands, too, need to be concerned with maintaining the right type of relationship with their wives -- so that their prayers will not be hindered -- by treating their wives with the proper honor and understanding.  When husbands and wives strive to do their parts in this, it not only results in a better marriage; but it also is part of the way in which God is served, and love to Him is expressed.           
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17;  John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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CHURCH OF CHRIST
201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn), Denham Springs, Louisiana 70726
Sunday services: 9:15 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 4 PM (worship)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
tedwards@onemain.com
tedwards1109@gmail.com
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go (Gospel Observer website)
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/audioser.html (audio sermons)

Directions:

Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12.  At the end of the exit ramp, turn north.  Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road.  (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.)  Turn left on Rushing Road, and go a little less than 0.3 of a mile.  Hampton Inn will be on the right.  We assemble in its "Meeting Room," which is very close to the reception counter.  Just walk pass the check-in counter; turn right at the hall.  The first and second doors on the left lead to where we meet.