Monday, June 21, 2010

1 Peter 3

(1-2) IN THE SAME WAY, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.

  • This is a discussion of a mixed marriage, where you have a Christian partner and a non-Christian partner. That's the whole context here. How does a Christian live in an Unchristian society? How does a Christian live in a non-Christian place of employment? How does a Christian live with a non-Christian partner? That's the whole context of this passage.
  • Peter was writing when the concept of home and family, just as in this country and time, was nearing extinction in the Gentile world. The prognosticators predict that marriage will cease to exist in the next few generations. Prostitution was an essential part of religion and society in the Gentile world. Respectable Greek women led secluded lives, had no part in public life and were not allowed to appear at public events and were regarded not as people, but as things with no legal rights.
  • The rabbis had a prayer (the Berakhot) that they would pray every morning. Part of it went something like this: "Blessed are You, Eternal One our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who did not make me a woman." It is still in some of the Jewish prayer books. The rabbis were simply thanking God that they were men for good reason - because Gentiles, slaves and women were not allowed to participate fully in the community of faith. In the Temple, there was a court for Gentiles and a court for women - just as today there is a separating fence at the Wailing Wall. Both were restricted access into God's presence. Then along comes Jesus, who values women. Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Paul uses the same three groupings in Galatians . . . no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free, no male or female . . . He knew the Berakhot prayer, but he knew Jesus' heart even better. He knew that Jesus changed everything. As a result, in the early church, Christian women played a major role in the spread of Christianity.
  • Scripture does not define submission as mindless obedience to a husband's every wish or demand. Nor is it avoiding an argument at all cost. Instead, submission is a deep commitment to a person. It is choosing to work with one's mate in a way that promotes oneness. A married couple becomes one flesh and must work as a team (Genesis 1:26). Of course, what happens when one spouse absolutely refuses to work toward oneness?
  • In the Greek culture, for a woman to change her religion without her husband doing it, was unthinkable. While single and living in her father's house, a woman was under her father's power. He could literally kill her if he wanted. And when she became married, she was under her husband's power and he could kill her if he wanted. What does the father of the bride say even today after the preacher says, "Who gives this woman to this man?" He says, "Her mother and I". Because, in the old days, the daughter was simply a piece of property who was sold or handed over to another man who would own or dominate her.
  • Charles Spurgeon wrote in his 1 Peter 3 Commentary - "Could any men be won to Christ without the Word? Yes, it was even so in the apostle’s day. When they refused to attend the little Christian meetings that were being held, and so could not hear what was there said, yet, at home, they saw the change that the gospel of Christ had wrought in their wives, and they said, “She is quite different from what she used to be. Certainly, she is a far better wife than any heathen woman is; there must be something in the religion which can make such a change as that.” In this way, without the Word, many of them were won to Christ by the godly conversation of their wives."
  • When a man became a Christian, he usually would bring his whole family into the church with him (Acts 16:29-34). But, when a woman became a Christian, she had to be patient and loving exhibiting the love of Christ to draw her husband to Christ. "Preaching" to her husband and nagging him would have the opposite effect. The main point here is that the main objective is to win the husband to Christ.
  • Most of the Gentile Christians of the day were slaves and women. The weaker members of the empire eventually turned it upside down (Acts 17:6 in the KJV).
  • God's design for marriage is that the man be the head of the house:
    • Genesis 3:16: Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.”
    • Ephesians 5:22-26: For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything...

      (THIS IS WHERE MEN LIKE TO STOP THE QUOTATION, but it continues!) ...

      For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
  • This promise must apply to those wives who become Christians AFTER they have married. What is God's ideal marriage? First, that they both be saved (2 Corinthians 6:14).
    • 2 Corinthians 6:14: Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

(3) Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of *fancy hairstyles, expensive **jewelry, or ***beautiful clothes.

  • *fancy hairstyles: Plaiting or braiding of hair was commonly used in those times by prostitutes.
  • **jewelry: Wearing of gold, or ornaments made of gold, was practiced by Rebecca, Esther and other religious women, but in those times was the attire of prostitutes in that part of the world.
  • ***beautiful clothes: Immodest (overly revealing, sensual clothes). What's heavily advertised in this season to young women? - Are you ready for swimsuit season? Today's society exemplifies models and actresses to young women to wear clothes that feature plunging necklines, near nudity, etc.
  • The focus should be on BEAUTY OF CHARACTER. A man who looks only at the outer woman in choosing a wife will be sorry later on - especially if they stay married long enough that the outer beauty is long gone. What's the deal with trophy wives? As a friend of mine once said, "I once had a Corvette convertible, but I couldn't afford the blond that came with it." Nothing against blonds, of course!
  • The real spirit of the passage is that real beauty is not the result of cosmetics but of character, not golden jewelry but godly genuineness, not the outward woman who is perishing but the inward woman who is being renewed day by day.
  • How did Judah know that Tamar was a prostitute?
  • Proverbs 11:22: A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

(4) You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

  • 1 Timothy 2:9-10: And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
  • The point is not that a woman should neglect her outward appearance, but rather that her emphasis should be on the inner person. He is not forbidding all braiding of hair or wearing of jewelry, or else he’s also forbidding wearing dresses! Peter’s point is that the emphasis should be on attractive character qualities, which are imperishable, not on elaborate outward attractiveness, which necessarily fades with age. Inner beauty is attractive even to a godless husband, and it enhances a woman’s outward appearance.
  • From the Contemporary English Version: “Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look beautiful. Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.”

(5) This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.

  • Proverbs 31:10-12: Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. ... She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. ... “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

(6) For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

(7) IN THE SAME WAY, you husbands must GIVE HONOR to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your EQUAL PARTNER in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

  • One of a husband's primary responsibilities in a marriage is caring for his wife. Caring requires understanding.
  • How does a husband win an unsaved wife? I've personally seen two marriages that collapsed after the husband came to Christ and the wife did not.
  • Submission is to be mutual in an ideal Christian marriage as God had intended as stated in Ephesians 5 that I quoted above.
  • Colossians 3:18-19: Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
  • 1 Peter 3:7: In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
  • When the wife is a joyous, loving woman it is probably due largely to the way her husband treats her.
  • A man lives for what he truly values. God should have no rivals for first place in our hearts. The wife should have no rivals for second place.
  • Proverbs 18:22: The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

(8) Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be *tenderhearted, and keep a **humble attitude.

  • *tenderhearted: Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
  • **humble attitude: Colossians 3:12: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

(9) Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

(10-12) For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

  • Quoted from Psalm 34:12-16.

(13) Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?

(14) But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

(15) Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

  • How to always be ready to explain our faith and hope? Study and know the Word! - 2 Timothy 2:15: Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
  • And what might prompt someone to ask? - Your walk!
  • This verse says to give Christ as Lord His right place in your hearts.

(16) But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

(17) Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

  • A key verse for 1 Peter.

(18) Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

(19-20) So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.

  • There is so much controversy and confusion about what verses 19-21 mean.
  • Possible interpretations of this verse:
    • The traditional interpretation is that Christ, between his death and resurrection, announced salvation to God's faithful followers who had been waiting for their salvation during the whole Old Testament era.
    • Some commentators think this passage says that Christ's Spirit was in Noah as Noah preached to those imprisoned by sin.
    • Still others hold that Christ went to Hades to proclaim his victory and final condemnation to the fallen angels imprisoned there since Noah's day (2 Peter 2:4-5 & Jude 6). These were the angels of Genesis 6:2 & 4. Angels are called "spirits" in Hebrews 1:14.
  • Luke 17:26-27: “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.
  • Ephesians 4:8-10: That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

  • 2 Peter 2:4-5: For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell (Tartarus), in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.
  • Jude 6-7: And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.
    • I personally believe that Jesus proclaimed his ultimate victory over those demonic spirits. To say that he “preached” to them does not mean that he offered salvation to them. Salvation is for humans, not for angels or demons. The verb “preached” means to make a public announcement. It’s what a herald would do when he went from city to city announcing the king’s decrees. I believe that Jesus, either between his death and resurrection or after his resurrection, proclaimed his victory to those demon spirits that rebelled so greatly against the Lord in Noah’s day.
  • Noah preached for 120 years (3 X 40) while building the ark (Genesis 6:33). Eight were saved by the water that carried their ship. That salvation is like the spiritual salvation rejected by those who refused the invitation to enter the ark.

(21) And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  • Verse 21 has been used to say that water baptism is essential for salvation. We know that this cannot be true from 1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 3:26; Romans 3:28 and many other passages. We have been placed inside the ark, have passed through the waters of God's judgment, and are now resting on top of Mount Ararat. And all this is possible because of Christ (the ark in Peter's analogy). When we are born again, we are baptized into the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; John 3:5). It is this baptism which saves us and brings us to heaven.
  • The water represents God’s judgment. The water in Noah’s day destroyed the entire world except for Noah’s family. It was the water of judgment that wiped out the old world. The ark represents God’s salvation - they were saved “through water,” but if they had been “in” the water and not “in” the ark, the water that saved them would have destroyed them. The water symbolizes baptism - but which one? How much water actually touched Noah and his family. None at all. The water that “saved” them never touched them. The water only “saved” them because they were already in the ark. Water baptism cannot save anyone. It is Christ who saves us. We must come to Christ by faith to be saved.

(22) Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

  • Just as the ark passed through the waters of God's judgment and rests triumphantly atop Mount Ararat, Christ passed through the flood of attacks and assaults upon Him and is now seated triumphantly at the right hand of God.

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, the scripture version used is the New Living Translation.

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