1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3, part of the epistle of 1 Peter, written around AD 62–64 by the apostle Peter, likely from Rome, to Christians in Asia Minor facing persecution, provides practical guidance for Christian living under pressure. Peter addresses household relationships, urging wives and husbands to live honorably, encourages doing good despite suffering, and defends readiness to share the hope in Christ, using Christ’s triumph as an example of enduring unjust suffering.
Key Sections
Wives and Husbands (3:1–7): Wives should submit to husbands, even unbelievers, winning them through respectful, pure conduct, not outward adornment but inner beauty of a gentle, quiet spirit, like Sarah obeying Abraham. Husbands should honor wives as co-heirs of grace, living with understanding, so prayers aren’t hindered.
Unity and Good Deeds (3:8–12): All should be unified, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, humble, blessing, not cursing, those who revile them, as Psalm 34:12–16 says: seek good, avoid evil, for God hears the righteous but opposes evildoers.
Suffering for Righteousness (3:13–17): Who harms you for doing good? If you suffer for righteousness, you’re blessed; don’t fear or be troubled (Isaiah 8:12–13). Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart, ready to defend your hope gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, as it’s better to suffer for good than evil.
Christ’s Example and Triumph (3:18–22): Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God, put to death in flesh but alive in spirit. He preached to spirits in prison, disobedient in Noah’s days, when eight were saved through water. Baptism, an appeal for a clear conscience, saves through Christ’s resurrection, now at God’s right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
Cross-References
Wives’ Conduct: 
Ephesians 5:22–24: Submit to husbands.

1 Timothy 2:9–10: Modest adornment.

Genesis 18:12: Sarah’s obedience.
Husbands’ Honor: 
Ephesians 5:25–28: Love wives.

Colossians 3:19: Don’t be harsh.

Malachi 2:14–16: Covenant faithfulness.
Unity and Blessing: 
Romans 12:14–16: Bless, don’t curse.

Psalm 34:12–16: Seek peace.

Philippians 2:1–4: Unity in Christ.
Suffering for Good: 
Matthew 5:10–12: Blessed in persecution.

James 1:12: Endure temptation.

Acts 5:41: Worthy to suffer.
Hope’s Defense: 
Colossians 4:6: Gracious speech.

2 Timothy 2:25: Gentle correction.

Titus 1:9: Hold to truth.
Christ’s Suffering: 
Hebrews 2:9: Tasted death for all.

Romans 5:8: Died for sinners.

1 John 2:2: Atonement for sins.
Baptism’s Symbolism: 
Romans 6:3–4: Buried with Christ.

Acts 2:38: Baptism for forgiveness.

Colossians 2:12: Raised in faith.
Theological Meaning
Godly Relationships: Submission and honor in marriage reflect faith, impacting unbelievers (3:1–7; Ephesians 5:33).

Blessing Amid Evil: Doing good, even when cursed, aligns with God’s favor (3:9–12; Romans 12:21).

Righteous Suffering: Persecution for faith brings blessing, not shame (3:14; Philippians 1:29).

Hope’s Witness: Gentle defense of faith glorifies Christ under scrutiny (3:15; Matthew 5:16).

Christ’s Victory: His suffering and resurrection secure salvation, subduing all powers (3:18–22; Colossians 2:15).

Baptism’s Role: It symbolizes appeal to God, tied to Christ’s triumph, not mere ritual (3:21; Titus 3:5).
Questions and Answers
Why should wives submit (3:1)?
To win unbelieving husbands through godly conduct, not words (3:1; 1 Corinthians 7:13–14).

What is a “gentle, quiet spirit” (3:4)?
Inner humility and peace, valued by God over external beauty (3:4; Proverbs 31:30).

Why husbands honor wives (3:7)?
As co-heirs, to avoid hindering prayers, showing mutual respect (3:7; Ephesians 5:25).

Why bless, not curse, evildoers (3:9)?
To inherit God’s blessing, following Psalm 34’s call to good (3:9; Luke 6:28).

Who were the “spirits in prison” (3:19)?
Likely disobedient beings (angels or humans) from Noah’s time, to whom Christ proclaimed victory (3:19; Genesis 6:1–4).

How does baptism save (3:21)?
As an appeal for a clear conscience through Christ’s resurrection, not physical cleansing (3:21; Acts 22:16).

How does this apply today?
Live honorably, suffer well, share hope, and trust Christ’s victory (3:15; Colossians 3:12–17).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to Christians in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1), facing Nero’s persecution (4:12). Peter, likely in Rome (5:13), addresses believers in Roman provinces enduring social hostility (3:13–14). Household codes (3:1–7) reflect Greco-Roman norms, adapted for Christian witness.

Cultural Questions: “Submission” (3:1) aligns with Roman household ethics, radical for Christian equality (Galatians 3:28). “Inner beauty” (3:4) counters Greco-Roman vanity, bold in urban centers (Isaiah 3:16–24). “Psalm 34” (3:10–12) was sung in Jewish worship, familiar to readers (Psalm 34:1). “Fear not” (3:14) echoes Jewish prophetic calls, urgent in persecution (Isaiah 41:10). “Spirits” (3:19) may reflect Jewish angelology, debated in synagogues (Jude 1:6). “Baptism” (3:21) uses Jewish purification imagery, vital for early Christians (Leviticus 15:13).

Application: 1 Peter 3 calls believers to live with integrity, endure persecution, and share hope humbly. It challenges retaliation, fear, and worldly values, urging trust in Christ’s triumph and godly conduct in a hostile world (Romans 12:14–17; 1 John 3:13–14).