I Peter Chapter 3
I Peter 3: 1, 2
In this same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. You need to accept the authority of your husband even if he is not a believer or follower of Jesus.
If the husband is not a believer, they may come to believe as they watch you live a pure and good life. They will hear how you talk and live. They will see your respect for God and that you live obeying Him.
I Peter 3: 3, 4
Do not put all your attention on outward beauty of your hair and jewelry and clothes. You need to be known for your inside beauty–your spirit should be gentle and quiet. This is pleasing to God.
I Peter 3: 5, 6
The women in the Old Testament are the example. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
Sarah obeyed her husband and called him “master”.
You are the great, great, great, …..granddaughters of Sarah—-when you do what is right and are not afraid.
I Peter 3: 7
In the same way, husbands you must give honor to your wife.
Give her understanding. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your partner in making new life.
Treat your wife right and well so God will hear your prayers.
King James Version says: “So your prayers will not be hindered (blocked).”
Husbands if you do not treat your wife right, your prayers may not be answered.
Wives need to have a spirit (attitude) that shows they are willing to work with the leadership of the husband.
I Peter 3: 8 – 12
Now my ending sentences…..
All of you should be of the same mind,
Show sympathy for each other,
Love one another with tender hearts,
Be humble.
Do not give back evil for evil.
Do not say mean evil things to others when they say that to you.
Show Christ—give them a blessing—not evil.
This is what you are called to do as a follower of Christ. He will bless you for it.
Psalms 34:12 – 16
If you want a happy life and good days,
Keep your tongue from speaking evil,
And keep your lips from speaking lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard to live at peace with others.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
And His ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord will turn His face against those who do evil.
I Peter 3: 13
Who would try to hurt you if you are doing good?
But —if you are doing right and you still suffer for it—God will bless you for being Christ-like when you are suffering.
Do not be afraid of those who would hurt you. Do not worry about it.
Make yourself clean in mind and heart in Christ Jesus.
If someone asks you about your believing in Jesus, be ready to give him an answer. Be ready to explain your faith. Tell them with respect and in a gentle way.
(Do not try to scold or “preach”—just tell them with kind words what you believe. Do not talk in a way that makes you seem more holy or better than them.)
If you know you have lived in a right way, then your mind and heart are clear. You know you are not to be blamed for evil doing.
People who are not believers may try to say bad things about you, or blame you for things, but you know you did right.
Your life of right living will show that those things are false.
I Peter 3: 17, 18
It is better to suffer even when doing right—-than to suffer for doing wrong. Christ suffered for all who did wrong. He was without sin—-yet He suffered for sin—so He could bring us to God. His body was killed, but the Spirit brought life and He was raised up.
I Peter 3: 19 -21
By the Spirit He went to preach to the spirits in prison.
(This “prison” was the underworld place of waiting where the Old Testament people when they died. This was explained at the beginning part of the study—-Chapter 1 verse 3.)
Some of these people did not obey God—long ago in the time of Noah—when the ark was being built. Only 8 people were saved in the ark.
The ark and flood is a picture of baptism. The ark was a safe place while the water covered the earth.
In baptism—A person goes down under the water, is covered, then comes up out of the water.
Baptism is like resurrection—like being buried in the ground and being resurrected—coming up out of the ground to live again.
We are saved by baptism—-not because the water washes away the sins of the flesh—but because it is a sign —it shows we have a clean mind and heart toward God—because of Jesus’ resurrection.
I Peter 3: 22
Jesus is now gone to heaven. He is at the right hand of God the Father. He has power and authority over angels, spirits, and any other beings having authority.
I Peter 3: 22
Jesus has gone to heaven. He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
He has been given power and authority over angels, spirits, and all beings of power and authority.