gengwall

I am all a twitter! This is great dialog.

My take on the context and Sarah’s example follows Paula’s a little, with some of truthseekers insight included. Let me lay it out.

I love Cheryl’s synopsis of the overall context of 1 Peter leading up to Chapter 3. I agree very much. But I also do believe that the first part of Chapter three, while continuing with the general thoughts, again addresses specific marital concerns. I also agree with truthseeker that “unbelieving” may have a broader idea in mind, and that is of any husband whose behavior is “unscrupulous, unfair or dishonest”, whether he is a Christian or not. So, when we get to Sarah, I believe her example is specifically associated with those times where Abraham was “unscrupulous, unfair or dishonest” – times Paula very rightly points out. So, when did Sarah “listen” to Abraham and treat him as a superior at a time he was behaving badly? It was when he tried to prostitute her to save his own skin. At no other time was Sarah MORE respectful and honoring when she had every right to be otherwise. It was in those circumstances where Sarah’s example is doubly meaningful where “unbelieving” husbands are concerned.

There are so many great things about this passage. Some other observations.

Peter, like Paul, especially in 1 Timothy and Ephesians, does a great job of setting up the general principals and then applying them in the nitty gritty of life. Wow!

Sarah’s example alludes to the Proverbs 31 woman, who’s “value” or “praiseworthiness” is not wrapped up in outward looks and charm, but in her fear of God.

The instructions to husbands have an eerie parallel to Malachi 2:13-17. Although many focus on “I hate divorce”, and rightly so, the other message in that section is that if you treat your wife poorly, if you do not honor her and “live with her in an understanding way”, your prayers will not be heard.

I am not fond of the translation of “honor” in 1 Peter 3:7 because that English word is very closely related to “respect”. Of course, “respectful” isn’t the best translation for phobos in verse 2 either. The two Greek words are quite different, far more than our English translations reveal. I would prefer “reverential” in vs. 2 and “cherish” or “value” or something along those lines in vs. 7.

Of course “weaker” in vs. 7 always raises some eyebrows. I’m not sure there is a way around that one. I’m sure Peter’s meaning goes deeper than physical strength but also is in no way degrading.

Verse 7, while being the only verse addressed to husbands, is still full of meaning. Most importantly, it completes obliterates any thought that male “rule” is somehow godly design.

Anyway, those are some of my thoughts.