Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 38:74 (Spring 2025)
Article: Preaching Without Words (1 Peter 3:1–6)
Author: Kenneth W. Yates

JOTGES 38:74 (Spring 2025) p. 5

Preaching Without Words (1 Peter 3:1–6)

Kenneth W. Yates

Editor

I. Introduction

In 1 Pet 3:1–6, Peter writes:

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. ³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. ⁵ For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, ⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

I understand that in the first century, a woman’s clothing and how she wore her hair demonstrated her status in society more clearly than today. Schreiner says that the background of these verses might also include the idea of some women dressing immodestly.1 Peter is clearly saying that women in the church should tone down their preoccupation with such things. But he is teaching other truths as well. He is not concerned with only the wardrobe and hairstyles of Christian women.

Whatever else Peter says in these verses, he is telling these ladies to focus on their important inner qualities and not the things of this world. Peter tells them to focus on the inner man.

JOTGES 38:74 (Spring 2025) p. 6

I want to examine this passage in more detail to determine what Peter is discussing. First, I will address a widespread interpretation of these verses. Then, I will challenge that interpretation.

II. The Spiritual Condition Of The Husbands

Most writers believe Peter addresses Christian women married to unbelieving husbands.2 This was common during the first century as Christianity spread across the Roman Empire. In many cases, a formerly pagan married woman had believed in Christ for eternal life, but her husband had not.3 A significant point of the passage is that such women should not nag their unbelieving spouses about their spiritual condition. They should not “preach” to these men. They should not encourage these men to attend Christian meetings. These women a...