1 Peter (Written)

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 1 Peter 3:5

Peter has instructed women to not focus on the externals for their adornment, but on the inner beauty of the person. Now, he gives a firm and reliable reason for this through example. He begins with, “For in this manner.” In other words, in the manner in which I just told you to conduct yourselves, which is to “not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (verses 3:3, 4).

It is this expectation that Peter likens to the women of “former times.” Peter is not going to arbitrarily pull out examples from his family or of some lore passed down by Jewish tradition. Rather, he will refer to a key example from Scripture, and have her stand as representative of “the holy women who trusted in God.”

In other words, there is a record in Scripture which is then used as an example for other women to emulate. As God saw it sufficient to include this example in Scripture, then it is obviously something that He finds noteworthy and deserving of emulation. Such women “adorned themselves” as Peter noted in the previous verses (cited above).

The word “adorned” is in the imperfect tense in the Greek. What this means is that it was their habitual and continuous way of conducting this aspect of their lives. In this, they weren’t fashioning themselves for all to see and lust after, but rather they remained “submissive to their own husbands.”

Remember, it is wives who Peter is addressing. If a woman is married, and yet she is purposefully dressing in a manner that is intended to attract the attention of other men, it means that she is not being submissive to her husband, but rather she is being solicitous of the attention of other men. It is a note to the world that she is not satisfied with him and she is seeking more from the men to whom she has no right to be with. She bears a resemblance not to the godly women of the past, but to the crafty harlot described in Proverbs 7 or to the ruthless and yet seductive Jezebel who knew how to coerce men through a painted face and flattery –

“Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window.” 2 Kings 9:30

Life application: Peter is not implying that a woman is to dress blandly or shun away from any of the external treatments. However, those things aren’t what she should be relying on to catch her husband’s attention. If she is, then sadness and dissatisfaction will result.

These things are temporary and fading, and people get old and wrinkly. The day is coming when the finery no longer works and the wrinkles are all that’s left. When that day arrives, then what is left but emptiness and loneliness? But when a woman adorns herself with her inner beauty, trusts in God, is gentle and respectful, and – yes – submissive to her husband, she has a firm and lasting foundation set for the love and approval of her husband.

Is being submissive meant to be degrading to a woman? Of course not! God made women the “weaker vessel,” and it is the man’s duty and responsibility to care for and protect her. He is to honor his wife as his lifelong partner and to look first and foremost at her true inner beauty.

Only a perverse person would reject a godly, submissive, and gentle wife for someone who is glitzy, finely dressed, and as shallow as a wading pool. In the end, he is destined to drown in his own tears and sorrow. But a man who respects the beautiful, kind, and gentle wife of God is a man who will live in true happiness and contentment.

Heavenly Father, may we look to the pattern You have set for our marital relationships. Give us joy and contentment in the husband or wife of our youth and may we revel in the bond You established on the day we vowed our souls to one another in Your presence. Amen.

Monday, 11 November 2019

…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4

Peter’s words are only a part of a greater thought which began in the previous verse –

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

Instead of focusing on the externals, which may look great but actually hide a soul full of wickedness, Peter says that the woman of God should rather display “the hidden person of the heart.” The idea here is comparable to what Paul says in Romans 7:22 –

“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.”

The things described in the previous verse are coverings which reveal nothing of the true character of the person. But that which is hidden in the heart is what reveals the individual’s true nature. It is concealed and is not readily discernible from a first glance.

However, the true nature of a person will always eventually become evident. All of the fancy external adornments will eventually be exposed as false as a man grows more intimate with the woman. If he cares about anything except externals, he will come to realize that she possesses “the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

The arrangement of the hair will someday no longer be able to enrapture those around her. The gold can get lost, stolen, and so on. The fine apparel will eventually wear out, get moth-eaten, or the like. These things are temporary and they reveal nothing of the true character of the soul. But a woman with a gentle and quiet spirit possesses that which is enduring, and which will never fail to satisfy a man who understands that true source of her beauty. To him, it is of more value than all of the flashy and expensive externals, and it is also “very precious in the sight of God.”

The word translated as “precious” signifies “extremely expensive.” It is seen just three times. The first is in Mark 14:3 and refers to the costly perfume which was poured over Christ. Paul uses it in 1 Timothy 2:9 when referring to “costly clothing,” which he dismisses as of no value in comparison to moderation in such things. Peter now uses it for the last time to show that the gentle and quiet spirit of a woman is of great value to God.

This is evident from quite a few passages in Scripture, and it highlights the fact that God is looking on the internals when evaluating the people of the world. That which is external is temporary, fleeting, and of no true value. How odd it is, then, that this is what the world mostly focuses on!

Life application: What do we know about Sarah from Scripture? Do we know how her hair was arranged? Does someone still have the bracelets she wore? Even if they were still around, they would be completely worn away by now. The beautiful handmade clothes she wore disappeared thousands of years ago. But we still have the knowledge of who she was, and what her attitude toward her husband and toward God was.

Likewise, the fleeting beauty of those in Hollywood, or in fashion magazines, will be gone within a very short span. The only thing left of any value at all will be their character. Looking at the examples of today, it is a sure bet that most of them will be completely forgotten in the same amount of time – multiple divorces, drug addictions, arrests for abuse, etc., mark the character of most of these shallow and unreasoning people.

What they need isn’t a new silk dress or a new fancy hairdo. Rather, they need the covering of Christ. They don’t need more gold and diamonds. Instead, they need that which costs them nothing and yet which has infinite value. If only we could pursue that which is truly worth pursuing – Jesus! What we need is Jesus!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Lord, may the women of God look in the mirror and realize how precious they are – simply for who they are, and not because of what they wear. When they apply make-up, put on earrings, or buy a new dress, may they remember that these things don’t make them beautiful. Instead, it’s a pure heart and a gentle and quiet spirit which shows their true beauty. Amen.

Sunday, 10 November 2019

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 1 Peter 3:3

The words of Peter here are completely in line with those of Paul which are found in 1 Timothy 2:9 –

“…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.”

The word Peter uses for “adornment” is kosmos. It signifies an ordered system. It is used at times to speak of the world, the universe, the people of the world, and etc. With this understood, Peter’s words can more effectively be understood.

He is saying that there is to be a character about the Christian woman which should not be “outward.” The NKJV supplied the word “merely.” The reason for this is that the “ordered system” of a woman isn’t to be based on externals. But this is exactly what the world is caught up in. This is so much the case that sometimes this is all one sees of her. There is nothing internally beautiful to back up the external facade which is seen by all.

In order to ensure that the true, godly character of the woman is seen, Peter says for women to “not let your adornment be merely outward.” It is a way of saying, “Have substance in and of yourself. Don’t just be a false presentation of who you are.” Then, in order to explain his intent, he notes several things to avoid. In doing so, he uses words only found here in Scripture. The first case is “arranging the hair.”

Peter uses the word emploké, meaning an elaborate braiding of the hair. If a woman is trusting in her hair to be the fullest expression of who she is, she is trusting in that which is vain, ostentatious, and vapid. The old saying, “It’s lipstick on a pig,” may be true. Without being able to discern the nature of the woman apart from her hair, there is nothing to really rely on in a meaningful way.

Next, he says, “wearing.” It is another unique word, perithesis. It signifies, “a putting all around.” In having gold on every extremity, and all around the face and neck, that is what the eyes will be directed to. The heart may be pure or wicked, the woman may be a saint or a harlot, but who can tell? Unless the person is known for who she is, the gold is a distraction which hides the truth. Like whitewash on a fence which is corroded and ready to fall down, and which has its true nature hidden, so the gold hides what is most important for others to see.

Peter then says, “or putting on fine apparel.” Again, a third unique word is seen endusis, translated as “putting on.” Further, the NKJV supplies the word “fine.” Vincent’s Word Studies states of this, “Female extravagance in dress in the days of the empire reached an alarming pitch.” In an attempt to compete with others in outward beauty, the inner nature of the woman is covered over and indiscernible. Such should not be the case.

Peter will explain what should rather be the case as he continues in the verses ahead.

Life application: This and similar verses have led to some interesting fashions for Christian women – entire denominations clad in matching dresses and bland appearance. However, it is not good to “pick and choose” intent from a verse simply because it meets someone’s personal preference. Rather, the Bible needs to interpret itself and where there is no comparable thought, wisdom is needed to know what’s being intimated.

As noted above, the NKJV supplies the words “merely” and “fine,” which are not in the original. The reason they do this is because:

1) Elsewhere in Scripture women wear fine apparel and have other outward adornments, thus highlighting their beauty.

2) Nowhere in Scripture is outward adornment to highlight beauty forbidden – in fact, it is often noted with approval.

Great biblical women of faith have adorned themselves with finery; in the Song of Solomon, the beauty and adornments of Solomon’s wife are highlighted, including gold and silver. The exemplary wife of noble character mentioned in Proverbs 31 is robed in “fine linen and purple.” Because of these, the NKJV has rightly inserted “merely” and “fine.” A woman’s beauty should not be “merely” noticed because of her externals.

Lord, no matter what we wear and no matter how we adorn ourselves, we have no true beauty apart from You. But through Jesus, we are radiant and beautiful. Whether we adorn ourselves in fine things or not, may we bring glory to You because of the inward beauty You give us through Jesus. Thank You for Jesus who brings forth the true beauty of who we are! Amen.

Saturday, 9 November 2019

…when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 1 Peter 3:2

Peter continues with his reason why women are to be submissive to their husbands, even if they are non-believers. And so he says, “when they observe.”

The word translated as “observe” was introduced in 1 Peter 2:12. Peter now uses it again for the last time in Scripture. It signifies to look upon or behold. In both instances, observation of the believer leads to a noticeable change in the beholder –

“…having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

&

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”

Like the non-believing Gentiles who are set to glorify God because of the conduct of believers, even when spoken of as evildoers, so non-believing husbands can be greatly affected by the conduct of their wives which they observe. It is conduct which Peter next describes as “chaste.”

The word signifies pure to the core, unadulterated, uncontaminated, and without any spoil – even to the center of one’s being. There is no mixture of anything impure or worthy of rebuke or condemnation. It is a word used of that which is sacred, holy, and free from ceremonial defilement, as in an offering. Imagine a husband with such a wife. He could never find an accusation against her, and thus his heart would hopefully be pricked each time he considered her ways, knowing it was because of her faith in Christ.

Peter then says that this chaste conduct is to be “accompanied by fear.” The Greek literally reads, “in fear.” There are several possible intents for Peter saying this. The first would be out of reverent fear of God, as it is used elsewhere. Because this has been determined by the Lord, even since the fall of man, it is her duty to act this way in awed fear of the Lord.

The second is out of respect for her husband, fearing that anything less would be improper due to his authority over her, and thus damaging the relationship which exists between them.

And the third would be a fear of the consequences of failing to show proper respect, which would be to further alienate him from a relationship with the Lord. As a believer, her highest duty is to the Lord. Therefore, her duty to her husband is to win him to the Lord. Should she not act with a proper fear of the Lord, of her husband, or towards the gospel, the chances of his salvation would be greatly diminished.

Life application: It should be the great hope of all believers that their conduct would be such that those who observe it will want to know who this wonderful Lord is that the believers would be such fine examples of honorable character.

If you come to Christ and then act in a manner which is in line with the gospel, regardless of how you are treated, others cannot help but notice. Therefore, let your respect for the Lord be of the highest and most exalted manner possible. Let the people of the Lord proclaim His surpassing greatness and be ever mindful of His mercies upon us. By having this attitude, may others see our testimony and our faithful walk and be won over, even without words.

Lord, before we knew You, we lived as those who had no respect or fear for You. Our lips failed to praise You and, in fact, we spoke Your name in inappropriate ways. Now we know You, now we fear You, and now we love You. Give us the desire and ability to always exalt You so that others will see and fear You as well. In all things, may You be glorified through our lives. Amen.

Friday, 8 November 2019

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 1 Peter 3:1

Peter has been talking about the patience in suffering and obedience of Christ Jesus for the past eight verses, explaining to servants that they should act in a similar manner. Here, he now says that wives should be likewise submissive to their husbands. He has gone from general thoughts to believers, to an exhortation to “servants,” using a word which indicates a household servant, but which may possibly imply all believers as servants in God’s household (the words which followed in verses 2:18-25 certainly point to something all believers should practice), and now he specifies “wives.”

His words here are in perfect accord with the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:24 –

“Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”

In that same vein, Peter says to the wives that they are to “be submissive to your own husbands.” The word translated as submissive signifies to place oneself under the ranking authority of another. It is the same word directed to all believers in verse 2:13, and to the “servants” in 2:18. Wives are to be under obedience to the authority of their husband. This is the hierarchy established at the very beginning. At the fall, the words were pronounced by the Lord –

 “To the woman He said:

‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
In pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband,
And he shall rule over you.’” Genesis 3:16

This is the divinely established order which is reflected in Scripture and throughout Scripture. It is spoken of by Paul in great detail. Peter gives further elaboration by saying, “that even if some do not obey the word.” The word “obey” carries with it the idea of belief. There is a conscious disbelief of the word, and this leads to not obeying its precepts. The assumption is that these are not believers.

Some have tried to align the word “obey” with the Jews only, meaning that Peter’s words here are directed to only Jewish women who believe, and who are married to unbelieving Jews. This is without merit. Paul says to Gentiles in Romans 11, and using the same word twice –

“For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, ³¹ even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. ³² For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” Romans 11:30-32

Paul also uses the same word in Romans 2:8 when speaking of both Jew and Gentile. The word simply means that these people are disobedient to the gospel through disbelief, whether Jew or Gentile. In Peter’s case, he is addressing Jewish believers, but the distinction is made because he is the Apostle to the Jews, not in the presentation of a variant gospel, but as an ethnic calling.

Understanding this, Peter continues with, “they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.” Peter uses the same word for “win” that Paul uses five times in 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 when speaking of winning others to Christ through his own serving and submission to others.

For Peter’s words now, this again speaks of the husbands. The conduct of the wife itself is to be submissive and Christ-centered so that their actions alone, even without saying another word concerning the gospel, which the husbands have not believed, will win them over. It is the submission of the wife, because of Christ, which is expected to bring about the conversion. The message has been heard and understood, and to nag about it to the husband will only drive him further away. Therefore, to live out the message as a submissive wife is the expected remedy to the matter.

This takes the reader right back to the end of Chapter 2 where Christ submitted Himself to the righteous judgment set before Him. The time for His ministry of words had ended, and the time for His silent submission had come. This is the thought Peter is conveying to the wife. As Solomon says –

“A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7

Peter’s words here have come under attack as authoritative for modern believing women. As an example, Charles Ellicott says –

“Whether this imposes for all time upon Christian wives as complete a submission towards their husbands as is here enjoined might perhaps be questioned, because the special reason for the command in this place was to allay suspicions engendered by the boldness with which Christianity proclaimed the freedom of the individual. St. Peter has just been giving injunctions for absolute submission, even to injustice, on the part of slaves; and the progress of Christianity has abolished slavery altogether. The measure of the Christian wife’s submission may safely be left to her own enlightened conscience, guided by other passages of the New Testament not written, like this, for a special emergency.”

Ellicott’s words are without merit and, in fact, contain several falsehoods. Slavery has not been abolished. It is an ongoing part of the world, even if it was abolished in his nation by Christians. It is also true that all Christians are slaves to righteousness and slaves to God (Romans 6:18-22). Secondly, the submission of the wife is not “left to her own enlightened conscience.” It was ordained by God at the beginning. Peter will cite the submission of Sarah to her husband in a few verses, and Paul continues with the thought in his epistle. The submission of the wife is never “left to her own enlightened conscience” in Scripture.

Further, if the words of Paul and Peter are not prescriptive, then they would not be included in the epistles which govern relations within the body of believers. It is not up to individuals to determine which verses of the church age epistles apply to the church and which do not. Peter’s words are in accord with Paul’s, and they are prescriptive. It is not a right of Christians to shop for their doctrine, but they are to accept the word, which is clear and without ambiguity, as it is written, and they are to comply with it.

Life application: Rather than putting women down, as has so often been proclaimed by liberal theologians and female activists, this verse is actually placing them in a high and exalted position. No one, no matter how bad their theology on Jesus may be, diminishes the high position God places on servanthood and servant leadership. In fact, it is one of the greatest aspects of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

But suddenly the attitude is changed when the role of women is mentioned. It is as if they are saying, “How dare those chauvinistic apostles tell women to be submissive to their husbands?” Peter and Paul, in particular, are treated as if they are women abusers and that they should be dismissed because of their culturally biased attitude towards women. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

As just noted, servants are to be examples to their masters for several reasons –

1) That the name of Jesus won’t be brought into disgrace;

2) That unbelievers will see their behavior and possibly come to be saved by it;

3) That the order of things, which has been established by God, will be maintained – something beneficial to all.

Peter says the same concepts that apply in other hierarchies also apply in familial relationships. To fight against what has been ordained by God in the family structure is no different than fighting against His will for us in the larger society. Don’t ever feel women are being given anything but a high and exalted position in the workings of God. What He has ordained is proper, fitting, and honoring to each – male and female alike.

Heavenly Father, help us to fully appreciate the glorious role that Jesus filled as both a Servant of God and as the Head of the church. Help us likewise to fulfill the role ordained for each of us – as men and women of God, chosen for Your glorious purposes. May we do as You would have us do and thus bring glory to You in the sight of all. Amen.