FIRST PETER

 

First Peter 3

1 ¶ Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands; so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without talk by the conduct of their wives;

2 As they observe your chaste and reverent behavior.

3 And your adornment should not be the outward adornment of elaborately braided hair, wearing gold, and putting on fine clothing;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, the unfading beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which is of great value in the sight of God.

5 For this is the way the holy women of the past, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being subject to their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: and you are her daughters, as you do what is right, without being carried away by fear.

7 Husbands, in the same way, live with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and a joint heir of the grace of life; so that your prayers may not be hindered.

8 ¶ Finally, all of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving each other as brothers, being compassionate, and courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult: but instead bless; knowing that you were called for this purpose, that you should inherit a blessing.

10 For let him who wants to enjoy life, and see good days, keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from uttering deception:

11 Let him shun evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

13 Who will harm you, if you are eager to do good?

14 But if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed: do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled;

15 But in your hearts acknowledge Christ as Lord: and be ready at all times to answer everyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you, answering gently and respectfully:

16 ¶ Keeping a clean conscience; so that those who continue to speak against you may be ashamed, as they slander your good behavior in Christ.

17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, for you to suffer for doing right, than for doing wrong.

18 ¶ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit:

19 In which he also proclaimed his victory to the spirits in prison;

20 Who were disobedient, long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, by which a few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 ¶ That water prefigured baptism which also now saves us (not by removing the filth of the flesh, but as the promise of a good conscience toward God,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who has entered into heaven, and is at God’s right hand; angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to him.

[Note: Verse 21 Peter is speaking of the baptism of repentance, and thus baptism in its context of repentance and faith in Christ (Luke 3:3, Acts 2:38).]