1 Peter 3:1-12

(1 Peter 3:1-12)

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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. 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: 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. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

 

The community that God has established in this land is the home and the church. From the family of Adam and Eve, which God first made, to the many families of our day today, the family is a community of God that reflects God's plan and purpose. This family contains the essence of the church Jesus built on the earth.

 

In Ephesians 5:22 and below, the family is interpreted as the relationship between Jesus and the church, explaining the mystery of being a husband and wife. This is because the home and the church have the same attributes and values of the community of God. The couple's relationship is likened to God and the people of the kingdom. Jesus is the head of the church. Marriage relations refer to the relationship between Christ and the spirits who have left Christ to become one again in Christ. Likewise, the Ephesians metaphorically describe the relationship between Christ and the Spirit as one.

 

First, a message for the wife: 『Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 』

The phrase "Obey your husband" is the same as in Chapter 2 to obey the master, the governor, and the system. However, obedience here is revealed in good deeds, as in Chapter 2. Even if you are a husband who doesn't fear God, if you come across every day of every day the pure conduct of a obedient wife, that is, having a godly and pure body, it will be a stronger challenge than any verbal evangelism or invitation.『Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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. 』 The wife must care for the inner person. Rather than trying to look like skin, clothes, and accessories, it is the wife's true beauty that keeps her heart in meekness and quietness. It is repaid before God, and this wife's inner beauty directs her husband's heart to Christ.

It is a message for her husband.『Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.』

 

Husbands should respect their wives because they are the ones who will receive the gift of eternal life from God. It is not because they are separated for a while, but because they are the ones who go with their souls all their lives. Why should you value your wife? Because the wife is a weaker vessel. As a wife who is more vulnerable and fragile than her husband, she should not be abused or abused by her husband, and should be respected and valued. You must have a respectful and respectful relationship with your wife in order to know the relationship between Christ and the Church.

 

『Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.』 It is to love your brother. Brothers are spiritual communities. Jesus showed his life. Jesus was cursed, but he did not curse, but suffered, but did not threaten. That was the response of Jesus' love. He has overcome evil with good. He hated hating with love. Peter urged Christians in Asia Minor, who were scattered throughout Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Vidonia because of persecution to establish a home first. This is because it is to establish a church.