1 Peter 3
1 Peter 3: Living Out Christ-Centered Marriage and Submission
In 1 Peter 3, we’re reminded of the deep and sometimes challenging call to live out our faith in relationships—particularly in marriage. In this chapter, Peter speaks directly to both husbands and wives, calling them to live in harmony and unity as they follow the way of Christ. It’s a passage that often raises questions, especially regarding submission, humility, and how we live out our roles as spouses.
But before we dive into the specifics of 1 Peter 3, let’s take a moment to reflect on another important passage from the Apostle Paul—2 Corinthians 6:14. Paul warns, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This passage is foundational when we think about marriage and the importance of being equally committed to Christ. It’s not just a matter of finding someone who shares our values; it’s about being yoked with someone who loves Jesus with all their heart. Paul’s warning speaks to the difficulty that arises when two people are pulling in different directions. While it’s not impossible for an unequally yoked marriage to work, it does come with challenges and potential frustrations.
So, if you’re single and wondering what qualities to look for in a future spouse, remember: the top priority is someone who genuinely loves Jesus—someone who will help you grow in your faith and walk with the Lord.
Submission and the Call to Humility
In 1 Peter 3, Peter touches on the relationship between husband and wife, and it’s here that the concept of submission comes up. The passage speaks to wives, saying, "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives" (1 Peter 3:1). Now, we understand that "submission" can be a loaded word. It can be hard to hear, and even harder to live out. But the submission Peter speaks of is not about inferiority—it’s about humility, respect, and trust in God’s design for marriage.
This kind of submission isn’t about blindly following a husband’s every whim or being silenced. It’s about a heart that desires to honor God and reflect Christ’s love in the way we treat one another. When wives are called to submit, it's an invitation to display humility—just as Christ did for us when He humbled Himself to serve.
But this call is not just for wives. Husbands are also called to live out their role in a way that honors their wives. Peter continues, "Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands, too, are called to submission—submission to God’s authority, and in doing so, submitting to the good of their wives.
The Role of Mutual Respect and Love
One of the most important things to remember in this passage is that it’s not just one-sided. Marriage is a partnership that calls for mutual respect and sacrificial love. It’s a beautiful picture of how two people, equally committed to Christ, can serve one another, building up their relationship in the strength of the gospel. Submission isn’t a power struggle; it’s a dance of love, trust, and mutual submission as we each put the needs of our spouse before our own.
To illustrate this in a more practical way, let’s reflect on an experience from our own life. A few years ago, my wife (Bobbie) and I had a major decision to make regarding homeschooling our children. Initially, I was against the idea, having no experience or understanding of homeschooling, and I was hesitant to step into a new path. Bobbie, however, felt strongly about it and had been praying about it. She waited patiently for me to catch up. It wasn’t a matter of submitting to a decision I made—it was a matter of trusting God’s leading and showing me respect, even when we didn’t see eye to eye.
After a year of prayer and consideration, I eventually came around. We both felt the Holy Spirit leading us in the same direction, and we made the decision together, with mutual agreement. Bobby’s patience and grace during that time were a beautiful example of the kind of submission Peter speaks about in 1 Peter 3—submission to God’s will, and trust in the process, even when the answer didn’t come immediately.
Embracing Our Heritage in Christ
As Peter points out in verse 6, he references Sarah and Abraham as an example of godly marriage. Even though Sarah and Abraham didn’t always get it right (who could forget Sarah’s attempt to help God out with Hagar?), they are still held up as an example of faithfulness and trust in God's promises. The key takeaway here is that we, as believers, are heirs to this same legacy. We are children of the promise, and as we walk in faith, we reflect the grace of God in our marriages.
Responding to Hardship with the Heart of Jesus
As we move into the second half of 1 Peter 3, Peter shifts from marriage to living out our faith in the world. Life is not always easy, and we will face suffering and hardship. But how we respond to that suffering matters. Peter reminds us that when we are insulted, mistreated, or mocked, we are called to respond not with anger or retaliation, but with blessing.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). This is the way of Jesus: when He was mistreated, He responded with love and blessing, even to those who hurt Him. When we live out this kind of radical love, it becomes a powerful witness to the world.
The world may tell us to fight fire with fire, but God’s way is different. We are called to turn the other cheek, to pursue peace, and to do good, even when it costs us. Peter reminds us that when we live this way, our reward is not in the approval of the world, but in the blessing that comes from God. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12).
The Example of Christ: Suffering and Victory
Ultimately, the reason we are called to live this way is because of what Jesus has done for us. In verse 18, Peter reminds us that “Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Jesus, the perfect Son of God, died for our sins, taking our place on the cross, and through His resurrection, He made it possible for us to have new life.
In this passage, Peter also refers to Jesus’ descent to the “imprisoned spirits” (1 Peter 3:19) after His death, a mystery that has intrigued theologians for centuries. Some believe Jesus proclaimed His victory over the powers of darkness, declaring that sin and death had been defeated once and for all. Just as the floodwaters in the time of Noah symbolized God’s judgment, so baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the new life we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:21).
Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering with purpose. His sacrifice wasn’t just for His own glory, but for ours. And now, He reigns in heaven, at the right hand of God, with all angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him (1 Peter 3:22). It is because of Him that we can endure suffering, live out our marriages with grace, and stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are part of His victory.
Living Out Our Faith in a Broken World
As we reflect on 1 Peter 3, we see a blueprint for life that challenges us to live differently—whether in marriage, in hardship, or in our everyday interactions. We are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love, humility, and sacrifice. Whether we are married or single, whether we are facing relational struggles or societal persecution, we are to respond in a way that points others to Jesus.
It’s not easy. It requires trust in God, humility before Him, and a commitment to living according to His design. But when we do, we become part of His redemptive work in the world—a light that shines in the darkness, a witness to His grace and truth.
As we walk in obedience to God’s Word, we can rest assured that His eyes are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to our prayers. He is with us every step of the way, empowering us to live for His glory and for the good of those around us.
Let’s commit together to honor Christ in our hearts, to walk in love and respect, and to live out our calling as husbands, wives, and followers of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His light.
