The duty of wives to their husbands, how they are to be adorned, and be in subjection as Sarah was to Abraham, 1Pet 3:1-6. The duty of husbands to their wives, 1Pet 3:7. How to obtain happiness, and live a long and useful life, 1Pet 3:8-11. God loves and succours them that do good; but his face is against the wicked, 1Pet 3:12, 1Pet 3:13. They should suffer persecution patiently, and be always ready to give a reason of the hope that is in them; and preserve a good conscience, though they suffered for righteousness, 1Pet 3:14-17. Christ suffered for us, and was put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, 1Pet 3:18. How he preached to the old world, while Noah was preparing the ark, 1Pet 3:19, 1Pet 3:20. The salvation of Noah and his family a type of baptism, 1Pet 3:21. Christ is ascended to heaven, all creatures being subject to him, 1Pet 3:22.
Verse 1
Ye wives, be in subjection - Consider that your husband is, by God's appointment, the head and ruler of the house; do not, therefore, attempt to usurp his government; for even though he obey not the word - is not a believer in the Christian doctrine, his rule is not thereby impaired; for Christianity never alters civil relations: and your affectionate, obedient conduct will be the most likely means of convincing him of the truth of the doctrine which you have received.
Without the word - That your holy conduct may be the means of begetting in them a reverence for Christianity, the preaching of which they will not hear. See the notes on 1Cor 14:34, and the other places referred to in the margin.