v1-7: Holiness in the household continues; in the previous section in relation to servants, and here in relation to husband and wife.

v1-2: The powerful testimony of a godly life, see 2.12,15, 18-19. In whatever situation, however difficult, we must remain submissive and obedient. Ultimately, others may be won for Christ by such a testimony.

Evidently, a number of Christian women had unbelieving husbands; 1 Cor 7 indicates the same. The words 'not obeying' mean the husbands were not believers; same word used in 2.8; 4.17. 'So, not obeying the word means not obeying the gospel, that is, not believing.' (John Piper, Finally Alive)

v3-4: The outward appearance reflects her gentle and quiet spirit. God is pleased with this; it is both precious and powerful. Peter warns against only outward beauty, in make up and clothing.

v5-6: Peter's teaching is not something new; this was the example of godly women in the O.T. and Sarah is given as an example. Submission to the husband gives him proper honour in the household. The use of the word 'lord' is not demeaning. Sarah submiited to Abraham though their journeys. Her implicit agreement indicated her submission to his decision-making and leadership.

v7: The weaker vessel needs to be treated carefully and lovingly, with understanding, giving honour and respect. True Christianity gives proper respect to women. Although the scripture is clear that the wife should submit to her husband, this does not give him the right to mistreat her.

Respect in the relationship encourages prayer together. The shared faith in Christ is to be seen in a truly shared life.

'For a man to try to understand and get to know his wife, so that she can feel known and honoured by him, as the passage says, this is a great service that he can do for her. If he will face his own fears in doing so, there is great reward.' (Stef Liston, Gender Quality.)

v8-9: Practical holiness in our lives, seeking to bless others;

• live in harmony, be of one mind, even as Father and Son are of one mind, John 5.19; 1 Cor 2.16; 12.3; our minds must be set on Christ, and on those things that honour Him, Phil 4.8; Col 3.2; in this way we promote unity, Amos 3.3;
• be sympathetic, having compassion and concern;
• love as brothers, for that is what we are;
• be compassionate, tender-hearted; Christ's example, Matt 9.56; 14.14; 15.32; 18.27; 20.34; a deep concern leading us to practical caring;
• humble, courteous, avoiding offence; Acts 27.3; showing hospitality, Acts 28.7;
• not repaying evil with evil, Matt 5.43-48, see 2.23.

We are called to this holy lifestyle, an attitude that relates to all circumstances, rather than a complex set of rules.

v10-11: The standards of God, for He decides what is good or evil. Our response to the teaching of holiness is either good or evil, obedience or rejection; and this reflects the reality and quality of our relationship with God

We must avoid speaking evil, 2.22; Eph 4.25,29; 5.4.

We must turn away from evil, Rom 16.19; 1 John 2.15-16, rejecting evil and choosing to do good.

Seek peace and pursue it, Rom 12.18; Eph 4.23.

In all these things we see Christ as our example.

v12: The Lord is not deceived, He knows the way that we take, and will reward us. If we want to see good days, receiving good from God, we must do good. God's plan is that we enjoy His abundant blessings.

v13-14: Returning to the theme of suffering, as in 2.20. We can have confidence in God when we become His followers; will not the Lord look after His own? We are therefore not to fear, even though we may meet suffering through doing right.

v15: We must give the Lord proper place in our hearts, an attitude of utter respect and submission to Him.

Be ready to speak for Christ, in season and out of season.

Speak with understanding, giving a reason for our hope. We can be clear, for our message is good news.

John Piper comments on this part of the verse: 'Why don't people ask us about out hope? The answer is probably that we look as if we hope in the same things they do.' (Don't Waste your Life.)

Speak with confidence, for we do have a real hope.

Speak with meekness and fear, avoiding arrogance and frivolity. We must be courteous, not rude. Our very manner must adorn the message we bring.

v16: Faithful words to be matched by a blameless life. As with Daniel, others will be unable to find a reason for blame; the accusers will be silenced.

v17: Whilst we are not commanded to seek suffering, we will meet it, esp. in our doing good. We are not commended if we suffer for our faults (2.20).

v18: Suffering is necessary; for through Christ's sufferings we have life, see 4.1-2; His physical suffering brought spiritual blessings.

v19: Jesus preached to the spirits in prison who were disobedient, see 4.6.

v20: These spirits had had opportunity to repent in the days of Noah.

But only eight souls were saved in the ark. They were saved by trusting in the word of the Lord, and in obeying it.

v21: Baptism into Christ, rather than water baptism, Heb 10.22. By His resurrection we have our salvation secured.

v22: Christ exalted; gone into heaven, at the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers are all subject to Him.