Reading for March 7th

Read 1 Peter3.1-12. In verses 1-7: Wives and Husbands. In verse 1: In this exposition of patriarchal authority, wives should accpt their husbands' authority. In verses 2-5: Honorable behavior resides in a heightened sense of purity, which here means avoidance of expansive and seductive adornment. Instead of out ward glitter (Hair, jewelry, or clothing), wives should adorn themsleves with inner virtue, such as a gentle and quiet spirit. As slaves imitate the example of the crucified Jesus, wives follow Sarah's example of obedience to Abraham. In verse 7: Husnbands reciprocate by honoring their wives. Conjugal duties here reflect the ancient gender division of society, withmakes exercising authority in public, while females, considered weaker, show obedience in private. In verses 8-12: Something for everybody. In verses 8-9: Peter celebrates actions that bind the church together, such as unity, love, tenderness, and humility: these can be no envy or competiion inthe group, thus the deadly games of seekinghonor are censured. Moreover, all vengence is forsworn, as Jesus mandated (Mt 5.43-45) and Ps 34.12-16 confirms. Comments or Questions..