Day 211, 1 Peter 3
As we grow in Christ, there is further practical application of Jesus’ victory in our relationships, and our lifestyle when opposed.
Firstly, husbands and wives have visibly different patterns in their marriage from those around them. The marriage that reflects Christ and the Church is characterized by willing orderliness (as distinct from selfish resentment) as well as tender understanding (especially by the husband to the wife, in direct and stark contrast to the practices of the day).
The word translated submission in many Bibles (and misused by generations of men to ensure their dominance over women in the Church) is hupotasso, which means “under order” or “step into place under higher authority.” It describes how we each take a place or role in the marriage that reflects our submission to the head - Christ. It is not a requirement that the man rule over his wife. Indeed Peter specifically mentions how an unbelieving husband may be led into relationship with Christ by observing the difference in his wife!
Then, widening the focus to all our relationships in the Church, they are to be characterized by brotherly love (Greek: phileo), like-mindedness, sympathy, compassion, and a friendly attitude. “For the eyes of the Lord Yahweh rest upon the godly, and his heart responds to their prayers. But he turns his back on those who practice evil.” Literally, those who advance rot are the ones from whom God turns away. Just as we might recoil from food that has gone bad. Notice that the qualities Peter seeks are not those he embraced when he was first called to follow Jesus! Clearly, being indwell by the Holy Spirit has brought great change to Peter.
And, returning to the same theme as the end of Chapter 2, Peter closes this chapter with an encouragement to live out our hope in gentle and loving reflection of the heart of Jesus. It is Jesus’ supreme authority that enabled Him to do such things, and we stand in the same authority - evil Roman Emperors or godless political systems in the 21st Century notwithstanding!
Have a great day!
Mark.