Here are the recommendations for things to do and not do mentioned in 1 Peter Chapter 3 of the King James Version (KJV):
Things to Do:
- “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands” (1 Peter 3:1): This advises wives to willingly submit to their husbands, following the principle of biblical submission in the context of marriage.
- “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge” (1 Peter 3:7): This encourages husbands to live with their wives in an understanding and considerate manner, recognizing their God-given roles and responsibilities.
- “Be of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8): This instructs believers to cultivate unity, compassion, brotherly love, empathy, and courteousness in their interactions with one another.
- “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing” (1 Peter 3:9): This advises against retaliating with evil or verbal abuse when faced with mistreatment, but instead responding with kindness and blessings.
- “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another” (1 Peter 3:8): This emphasizes the importance of unity and compassion among believers.
- “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15): This encourages believers to set apart the Lord God in their hearts, acknowledging His holiness and maintaining a reverent attitude toward Him.
Things Not to Do:
- “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning” (1 Peter 3:3): This warns against placing excessive emphasis on external beauty and physical appearance as the primary focus of one’s adornment.
- “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing” (1 Peter 3:9): This warns against retaliating with evil or verbal abuse when faced with mistreatment, urging believers to respond with kindness and blessings instead.
These are the recommendations and warnings given in 1 Peter Chapter 3 of the King James Version of the Bible. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 2 KJV
1 Peter Chapter 3
I can hardly contain my excitement as I delve into one of the most life-changing chapters in the entire Bible: 1 Peter Chapter 3. This profound passage has the power to revolutionize our relationships, our behavior, and our very identity as Christians.
If you’ve ever felt shackled by the expectations of the world, let me assure you that the wisdom found in these verses will set you free and enable you to live a life worthy of your calling in Christ.
In this article, we will explore the unparalleled wisdom that Peter imparts to us, focusing on the critical roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, as well as the importance of unity, compassion, and love among all believers.
We will analyze how sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts can lead us to a life of freedom from the bondage of sin and the heavy yoke of worldly expectations.
So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a life-changing journey through 1 Peter Chapter 3, where we will uncover the keys to unlocking the true potential of our relationships and our faith.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands (1 Peter 3:1)
In this passage, it’s emphasized that wives should willingly submit to their husbands, ultimately fostering a harmonious and respectful marital relationship.
This concept of submission may initially seem restrictive and oppressive, especially in today’s culture that highly values individual freedom and equality.
However, it’s important to understand the biblical context and the true meaning behind this instruction.
The word ‘subjection’ in Greek is ‘hupotasso,’ which means to voluntarily place oneself under the authority of another.
This is not a command for wives to be passive or subservient, but rather a call for them to actively choose to respect and support their husbands’ leadership within the marriage.
It’s crucial to remember that this passage is not advocating for male superiority or female inferiority. In fact, just a few verses later, Peter calls husbands to honor and cherish their wives as ‘heirs together of the grace of life’ (1 Peter 3:7).
This mutual respect and love create a beautiful partnership in which both husband and wife can flourish.
Submission in this context is about putting the needs of the marriage above one’s own desires, and it’s a principle that applies to both spouses in different ways.
In submitting to each other, we mirror the love and humility of Christ, who ‘humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross’ (Philippians 2:8).
By embracing this biblical perspective on submission, we can experience true freedom within our marriages—a freedom rooted in love, trust, and selflessness.
Examples:
- Mutual Submission in Marriage (Ephesians 5:21-33): In Ephesians, Paul addresses the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. He begins by urging believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Then, he elaborates on the specific responsibilities of husbands and wives, emphasizing the sacrificial love of husbands and the respectful submission of wives. This passage highlights the concept of mutual submission and love within the marital relationship.
- Christ’s Example of Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:25-28): Jesus taught His disciples about true leadership and service. He explained that in His kingdom, leadership is characterized by serving others rather than exerting power and control. This teaching provides a framework for understanding the concept of submission within marriage, where both spouses are called to serve and consider one another’s needs.
- The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31): The passage in Proverbs 31 describes the qualities of a virtuous woman, highlighting her wisdom, industry, and care for her household. While the passage emphasizes her roles as a wife and mother, it also showcases her strength and influence. This example portrays a woman who exercises wisdom and influence within the context of her marriage.
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge (1 Peter 3:7)
As a husband, you’ve gotta live with your wife in an understanding way, appreciating her unique qualities and cherishing her as your equal partner. This advice from 1 Peter 3:7 is crucial for a healthy marriage.
It also reflects a deeper theological truth about the nature of God’s creation and the relationship between men and women.
In a world that has often subjugated and devalued women, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God created both male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27) and that they are called to work together as co-heirs of the gracious gift of life.
By dwelling with your wife according to knowledge, you are not only fulfilling your marital responsibilities but also living out a Christ-like love that seeks to understand, honor, and cherish the other person.
This call to understanding and honoring your wife also speaks to the broader theme of freedom that runs through the Bible.
In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes, “For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” This freedom in Christ extends to all areas of life, including marriage.
By living out this biblical principle of understanding and honoring your wife, you are contributing to a relationship that is marked by freedom, mutual respect, and love.
This kind of relationship not only brings glory to God but also reflects the kind of love and unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21-23.
As you seek to live out 1 Peter 3:7, remember that you’re not only investing in your marriage but also participating in the greater story of God’s redemptive work, bringing freedom, healing, and unity to a broken world.
Examples:
- The Call to Love and Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-33): In Ephesians, Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This passage emphasizes sacrificial love, where husbands are called to selflessly serve and care for their wives, just as Christ sacrificially loved the Church.
- The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31): The passage in Proverbs 31 not only describes the qualities of a virtuous woman but also provides insights for husbands. It showcases the support, trust, and honor a husband should offer his wife. This example highlights the importance of valuing and appreciating one’s wife for her contributions and character.
- The Importance of Communication and Consideration (Colossians 3:19): In Colossians, husbands are instructed to love their wives and not be harsh with them. This passage emphasizes the importance of communication, respect, and consideration in the marital relationship.
Be of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous (1 Peter 3:8)
Unity, compassion, and brotherly love – that’s what 1 Peter 3:8 urges us to embody in our relationships, calling us to be understanding, empathetic, and respectful towards one another.
This verse serves as a reminder that, as Christians, we are called to treat others with the same love and kindness that Jesus showed us.
In a world filled with division and strife, this verse challenges us to rise above our differences and foster unity and harmony within our communities, families, and friendships.
By approaching each relationship with humility, compassion, and love, we can begin to break down barriers and create a sense of belonging and unity among God’s people.
| One Mind | Compassion | Brotherhood |
|---|---|---|
| Unity and harmony | Empathy and understanding | Love and support |
| Common goals and values | Sharing in one another’s joys and sorrows | Genuine concern for the welfare of others |
By putting these principles into practice, we can begin to create a community of believers that reflects the love and unity of God’s kingdom.
As we do so, we will not only experience the freedom that comes from living in harmony with one another, but we will also demonstrate to the world the transformative power of God’s love.
This is the kind of love that breaks down barriers, heals wounds, and unites people from all walks of life in a common pursuit of peace, justice, and the flourishing of God’s creation.
Examples:
- The Early Christian Community (Acts 2:42-47): In the early days of the Church, believers were characterized by their unity and love for one another. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This example showcases the importance of being of one mind and having a shared commitment to the teachings of Christ.
- Paul’s Teachings on Unity and Love (Romans 12:9-16): In Romans, Paul provides practical instructions for believers to live in harmony and love one another. He emphasizes the need for genuine love, empathy, and humility within the Christian community. This passage encourages believers to be of one mind, contributing to the needs of others, and extending hospitality.
- Jesus’ Teaching on Loving One Another (John 13:34-35): In John’s Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment to love one another just as He has loved them. He states that by this love, people will know that they are His disciples. This teaching underscores the importance of brotherly love, compassion, and unity among believers.
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing (1 Peter 3:9)
Choosing not to retaliate with harm when someone wrongs us, or responding with harsh words when insulted, is a powerful message found in 1 Peter 3:9.
This principle of not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, comes from a deep understanding of the transforming power of love, forgiveness, and grace that God offers us through Jesus Christ.
As believers, we’re called to emulate Christ’s example, who, when He was reviled, didn’t retaliate in anger or violence but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
By choosing to respond with kindness and compassion instead of returning harm or insult, we’re demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and becoming a living testimony of God’s love and mercy to those around us.
This teaching is not only a call to personal holiness but also a powerful tool for breaking the cycles of violence, hatred, and revenge that plague our world.
When we refuse to participate in these destructive patterns, we’re taking a stand for peace, justice, and reconciliation, as well as providing an alternative way of living and relating to one another that’s rooted in love, humility, and mutual respect.
In doing so, we’re tapping into the deep, subconscious desire for freedom that exists within every human heart – the longing to be liberated from the chains of anger, bitterness, and hatred that bind us and to experience the peace, joy, and wholeness that come from living in harmony with God and one another.
Thus, by not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing, we’re not only living out our faith in a practical and tangible way but also becoming agents of change in a world desperately in need of hope and healing.
Examples:
- Jesus’ Teaching on Loving Enemies (Matthew 5:38-48): In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers not to resist an evildoer but to turn the other cheek when struck. He teaches them to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and to be perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. This teaching challenges believers to respond to mistreatment with love, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation.
- Paul’s Teaching on Blessing and Not Cursing (Romans 12:14, 17-21): In Romans, Paul instructs believers to bless those who persecute them and not to repay evil for evil. He encourages them to live in harmony with others, leaving room for God’s justice and vengeance. This passage emphasizes the importance of responding to mistreatment with goodness and seeking reconciliation rather than perpetuating a cycle of harm.
- Stephen’s Example of Forgiveness (Acts 7:54-60): When Stephen, a follower of Jesus, was stoned to death for his faith, he exemplified the teaching of not returning evil for evil. Instead of responding with anger or bitterness, Stephen prayed for his persecutors, asking God not to hold their sin against them. His example demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and love, even in the face of extreme injustice.
Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1 Peter 3:15)
Reflecting on the call to be of one mind and show compassion to one another, I am reminded that this unity and love are grounded in our relationship with God. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are instructed to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.”
This means setting apart God as the ultimate authority and source of our lives, allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.
By doing so, we are better equipped to live in harmony and offer genuine compassion to those around us.
To further illustrate the importance of sanctifying the Lord in our hearts, let us consider the following table that highlights the impact of doing so in various aspects of our lives:
| Aspect of Life | Without Sanctifying the Lord | With Sanctifying the Lord |
|---|---|---|
| Relationships | Strife, envy, selfishness | Love, unity, understanding |
| Personal Growth | Stagnation, complacency | Growth, transformation |
| Decision-Making | Confusion, impulsiveness | Wisdom, discernment |
| Emotional Well-Being | Anxiety, despair | Peace, joy |
| Sense of Purpose | Aimlessness, discontent | Fulfillment, direction |
This table clearly demonstrates the transformative power of sanctifying the Lord in our hearts.
When we allow God to be the center of our lives, we experience deeper connections with others, personal growth, wise decision-making, emotional well-being, and a strong sense of purpose.
This freedom we find in God’s presence compels us to live out our faith boldly and unashamedly, impacting not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
So, as we strive for unity and compassion, let us remember to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and experience the freedom that comes from a life fully surrendered to Him.
Examples:
- The Israelites and the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25-31, 40): In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to construct the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant as places of worship and His dwelling. These sacred objects were set apart and treated with reverence, signifying the Israelites’ commitment to sanctify the Lord’s presence among them. This example illustrates the importance of recognizing God’s holiness and setting Him apart in our hearts.
- Jesus’ Teaching on Loving God with All Your Heart (Matthew 22:37-38): When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This teaching emphasizes the need to prioritize God in our affections, thoughts, and desires, sanctifying Him as the center of our lives.
- Paul’s Exhortation to Present Our Bodies as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2): In Romans, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. This involves renewing our minds and aligning our lives with God’s will. The passage highlights the importance of consecrating ourselves to God, setting Him apart as the Lord of our lives.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning (1 Peter 3:3)
In this day and age, it’s crucial that you don’t judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to your own sense of self-worth and value. 1 Peter 3:3 reminds us that true beauty lies not in outward adornment but in the inner character of a person.
While society often pressures us to focus on our physical appearance, placing emphasis on makeup, hairstyles, and fashionable clothing, this verse calls us to redirect our focus inward.
It is within ourselves that we can cultivate true beauty – a beauty that is not fleeting or superficial, but rather one that comes from a heart of humility, kindness, and love.
This challenge to resist society’s norms and prioritize inner beauty over outer appearances is not only liberating but also profoundly transformative.
Embracing this truth allows us to break free from the shackles of comparison and insecurity, empowering us to live authentically and unapologetically as the unique individuals God created us to be.
As we cultivate a heart that cherishes what is truly beautiful – compassion, grace, and integrity – we become more like Christ, who exemplified these qualities in His life and ministry.
In doing so, we not only experience a deeper sense of self-worth and purpose, but we also become a powerful witness to the world around us, reflecting the true beauty of God’s love and character.
Examples:
- Samuel’s Anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:7): When Samuel was sent to anoint the next king of Israel, he learned that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance. Samuel initially focused on the physical attributes of David’s brothers, but God directed him to choose David, who had a heart after God. This example highlights the importance of inner qualities and the heart’s condition.
- Jesus’ Teaching on the Pharisees (Matthew 23:27-28): Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their emphasis on outward appearance while neglecting matters of the heart and inner righteousness. He urged them to cleanse the inside first, highlighting the significance of inner transformation and integrity over external appearances.
- The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): The apostle Paul teaches about the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These inner qualities are esteemed in the Christian life and reflect a transformed heart rather than focusing solely on external appearances.
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing (1 Peter 3:9)
As you navigate life’s challenges, remember the importance of not repaying evil with evil or insult with insult (1 Peter 3:9), as this only perpetuates negativity and hinders spiritual growth.
When faced with adversity or unkindness, it can be tempting to respond in the same manner, but the Apostle Peter encourages us to take the high road and instead, bless those who may have wronged us.
By doing so, we are aligning ourselves with the example set by Jesus Christ, who, despite being reviled and persecuted, chose to love and forgive those who opposed Him.
This kind of response not only demonstrates the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives, but it also serves as a testimony to others of the freedom and peace that comes from living in accordance with God’s will.
The concept of not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus famously instructed His followers to ‘turn the other cheek’ when confronted with violence (Matthew 5:39) and to ‘love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44).
By doing so, we are not only resisting the urge to retaliate, but we are also actively demonstrating the love and mercy of God, which has the power to change hearts and minds.
Furthermore, this approach to conflict resolution allows us to break free from the bondage of bitterness and resentment, freeing us to experience the abundant life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him (John 10:10).
Examples:
- Jesus’ Teaching on Loving Enemies (Matthew 5:38-48): In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers not to resist an evildoer but to turn the other cheek when struck. He teaches them to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and to be perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. This teaching challenges believers to respond to mistreatment with love, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation.
- Paul’s Teaching on Blessing and Not Cursing (Romans 12:14, 17-21): In Romans, Paul instructs believers to bless those who persecute them and not to repay evil for evil. He encourages them to live in harmony with others, leaving room for God’s justice and vengeance. This passage emphasizes the importance of responding to mistreatment with goodness and seeking reconciliation rather than perpetuating a cycle of harm.
- Stephen’s Example of Forgiveness (Acts 7:54-60): When Stephen, a follower of Jesus, was stoned to death for his faith, he exemplified the teaching of not returning evil for evil. Instead of responding with anger or bitterness, Stephen prayed for his persecutors, asking God not to hold their sin against them. His example demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and love, even in the face of extreme injustice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have learned not to focus on outward appearances but rather on cultivating a heart that’s devoted to the Lord. This will help us to treat others with compassion, love, and understanding, even when faced with adversity or opposition.
Ultimately, it’s essential for us to be mindful of the deeper meanings behind these teachings and continually seek wisdom from the Scriptures. This allows us to grow in my faith and foster a Christ-centered life, filled with grace and truth. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 4 KJV – Dos and Don’ts
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