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Chapter 3:
"Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands; so that some though they do
not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behaviour of their wives" (3: 1, 2,
R.S.V.).
The relationship of men and women as well as between husbands and wives has
varied from nation to nation and from century to century. Many view Paul was wanting
to lower the position of women in society. Peter perhaps escapes this criticism: Patient
examination of the words and times for which these men of God wrote will illuminate the
fact that their leading was God-given and did not originate from their own ideas. God in
His love and concern for us has in His word given commands and advice for every
conceivable human problem of relations, attitudes and behaviour. In Gen. 3: when Eve
was the one who was deceived by the wiles of Satan God decreed ". . . . . thy desire shall
be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee" (verse 16). There is then this decreed
relation laid down by God. It will work perfectly all the while both parties act with
respect and true love for each other. The word "likewise", the first word in this chapter
links the expected behaviour of wives to their husbands to follow the faithful obedience
of Christ to the will of His Father, and by their daily behaviour in so doing follow the
example of Christ in patient endurance. Here let it be said we are pointing to the
Scripture. How each reader applies this to his or her day to day circumstances is a
personal matter. It is not kind to spoil or indulge a selfish child, neither is it kind or
profitable to ignore thoughtlessness or selfishness in an adult. It is the way the correction
is attempted that is the test. The faultless and patient example of the good partner should
always help to win the other to a true life in Christ.
No.6.
3: 3 - 18.
pp. 93 - 96
"Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and
wearing of robes, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the unperishable jewels
of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. So once the holy
women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their
husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord. And you are now her children if
you do right and let nothing terrify you" (3: 3-6, R.S.V.).
Again dress and adornment has varied from nation to nation, century to century and
occasion to occasion so that specific suggestions cannot be made. What is constant and
necessary is that for all, the dress, appearance, adornment should express the mind and
character of the person. Thus adornment will be appropriate for the occasion expressing
a unity and sympathy with the expected company. Cleanliness, neatness and tidiness will
exhibit and reflect a well ordered mind and habits. If this is done there should be no envy
or jealousy or a slip into lazy habits. At all times our appearance should back up our
verbal witness and thus glorify the Lord.