Study of First Peter              Lesson 43

Chapter 3

Review:

Next the purpose clause which tells us why this submission is important

There is a saving impact of the wife's submission

so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word

 

This is followed up by the method to be used:

by the behavior of their wives,   3:2  as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

 

 

any of them are disobedient to the word, 

- Present active indicative  avpeiqe,w  which is a very strong word

- to be unpersuaded, to continue to refuse to believe the gospel, it portrays those who deliberately and persistently set themselves against the claims of the gospel.  

 

The objective: they may be won 

 

Peter's word order, "they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives,"  indicates that the wife's behavior may be an effective evangelistic means to bring the unbelieving husband to Christ.

 

- being submissive and an example by living out the truth is not  a guarantee that they will be won to the Lord as an unbeliever,

 

- without a word does not mean that the husband's conversion will be affected apart from the Word of the gospel;  it alone is God's regenerating agent       (1 Pet. 1:22; James 1:18).

 

 

- It is her translation of the Word into life-right before the man's eyes-which proves a telling witness.  

 

Next we have the how!   by the behavior of their wives,

- instrumental, by means of  dia. avnastrofh,  conduct, pattern of life, lifestyle

- this is all predicated on the reality that one takes in the word consistently, believes it and as it changes their thinking in many areas of life, as this new thinking is put into action in the life there will be impact as others observe it.

 

3:2 The silent witness of agnos  (what's being observed)

as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

 

 

According to Peter, the husbands attention was captured by        your chaste and respectful behavior

 

 

- reverently  is  evn fo,boj  some take this as the wife's attitude towards her husband but that is secondary in that it is an outgrowth of her awe and respect for God which is an essential ingredient of a holy life, that which offers strength and motivation for daily conduct. 

 

- The second term that describes the wives conduct is a`gno,j translated chaste or pure.

- What is in view is not to be limited to sexual fidelity;

- What is primarily in view is that purity in character and conduct that should characterize all of the Christian life (Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 5:22; Titus 2:5;           James 3:17; 1 John 3:3).

 

3:3-4 Your face and overt charm won't win Him to the Lord but the adornment of the real you will!

 

Peter knew that it was not the external adornment that was the most important but what was internal, what is going on in the soul, the influence of the Word in her being lived out.  That's his focus here.

 

As Christian wives who seek to impact their unbelieving pagan husbands they need to use the right kind of adornment. Which is Peter's point!

 

Peter's concern is to impress upon them that their outward attractiveness should not serve as the basis for an evaluation of their true character.

 

If your pattern ladies is to rely on the overt external to gain your way, or some advantage,  What are you going to do when the overt, external fades with age?  And it will!   

Point of Truth

It's the inner beauty radiating from the life enveloped with the Word and living it out that lasts!

 

Next follows three clauses that elaborate the kind of adorning Peter had in view that was common of the day.

braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry or putting on dresses;

 

 

 

 

 

 

3:3 Do not let your adornment be external only braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, and putting on fine clothes.  (NIV has it right here)

 

Summary Observations

1. Peter's point is that for Christian women to rely on this kind of external adornment would suggest preoccupation with the superficial over against the inner beauty of the soul that is plus doctrine that he emphasizes in vs:4.

2. It goes without saying that Peter in this passage is not encouraging slovenliness or an indifference toward female attire.

3. Point I believe we need to understand is that anyone with an understanding of the Word of God there will be an impact on their grooming, especially the women.

 

4. This passage does not constitute an absolute prohibition of braids or the use of any items of jewelry any more than it forbids the actual putting on of clothes.

5. It is a warning against extravagance and self-centered display. It is possible to be guilty of the evil Peter rebuked by wearing too little as well as wearing too much. 

6. Paul also deals with women's attire in 1 Tim 2:9-10.

 

Quick Rabbit trail  -  1 Tim 2:9-10

 

vs:9 Likewise, (in the same manner, that is as the men just mentioned in vs:8 who are to lift up holy hands, a Hebraism for prayer)

- holy  o[sioj  undefiled, what's in view is that they are to be morally and spiritually clean as they approach the throne of grace in prayer;

- What Paul is saying here in vs:9 as he addresses the women "I want" (from vs:8) you women when you pray they were to be morally and spiritually clean but also

 

to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly,

- proper clothing   perfectly coordinated, orderly  ko,smioj  adj

your clothing should compliment you and be coordinated

- modestly  with propriety   meta,  aivdw,j   dress for the occasion

- discreetly, good judgment  swfrosu,nh  thinking clearly; good common sense; therefore with good judgment

 

Then Paul adds some characteristics that need to be evaluated to fit the criteria just last out.

with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 

 

 

 

2:10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper (suitable)   (to profess or make a claim) to godliness (being in fellowship and advancing as a believer).

 

7. Neither passage (1 Pet 3 or 1 Tim 2) is opposed to good grooming and appearance but are saying that the overt charm is not as important as the inner beauty from doctrine applied.