1 Peter 3:1-7

This counsel to wives and husbands is full of a fine courtesy, and true chivalry, and shows how the new leaven is at work in the thought of the Church. It is not only a contrast to paganism, but has the essence of a real advance upon Judaism, even though the example of Sarah is cited; and the claim of obedient Christian wives to be her spiritual children is almost as highly thought of, as the place of all Christians as children of Abraham is by Paul. Faithful, wise, and loving wives are regarded as the best missionaries, who may win, without a word, those who despise the Word. Deeds are more eloquent than speech.

The peculiar vanities of pagan society are deprecated, and a full idea of Christian womanhood set up. Men are granted their rights in a fuller way than modern thought would recognise them, but they are reminded that these rights mean responsibilities, and the claim upon them for consideration and protection of the physically weaker. In Christ there is neither male nor female, and so this fellowship must be true in spirit, if it is to make for godliness.

1 Peter 3:6. put in fear: this probably denotes anxieties and worries of all kinds the writer urges a calm and trustful attitude as the ideal.

1 Peter 3:7. your prayers: either those of the husband alone, which would be hindered (James 5:4) by the injured wife's complaints to God, or the prayers of both in fellowship, which cannot be offered truly, if there is lack of harmony in spirit. hindered: some MSS. read a stronger word, which differs only by one letter and means cut off.