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finished work of Christ. The effect on their conduct should be "to love one another with
a pure heart fervently" (22, 23).
"Having your conversation (conduct) honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they
speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold,
glorify God in the day of visitation" (2: 12).
They may be wrongly accused of evil, but if their conduct is honest and good, their
good works would be evidence which enemies could not ignore, and in the end God
would be glorified. In verse 13 Peter states that they should submit to every human
institution for the sake of the Lord.
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that if any obey not the
word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (conduct) of the
wives" (3: 1).
Thus, if a wife has been converted but the husband remains an unbeliever, the faithful
conduct of the wife may be a means that the Lord may use in the conversion of the
husband.
"While they behold your chaste conversation (conduct) coupled with fear" (3: 2).
This verse of course follows on from our previous quotation. In the verses that follow,
we have a more detailed description of the kind of conduct that Peter advises, and he
gives examples of O.T. characters such as Sarah. The Christian wife should avoid
outward show, in dress, hair style, or wearing of jewels. What matters is the inward part,
the heart, and in God's sight a meek and quiet spirit is "of great price" (4).
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts ... having a good conscience; that, whereas
they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your
good conversation (conduct) in Christ" (3: 15, 16).
Peter goes on to say that it is better to suffer for well doing than for evil doing. Christ
Himself suffered for our sins, the jut for the unjust (18).
It is interesting to compare these six passages to ascertain any pattern. Probably there
are alternative structures, but the following introversion may be one solution:
A | 1: 15. Obedient children.
Be holy in all conduct.
B | 1: 18. Vain conduct, tradition.
Redeemed. Precious blood of Christ.
C | 2: 12. Conduct among Gentiles.
Submit.
C | 3: 1. Conduct of wives.
Submit.
B | 3: 2. Chaste conduct--fear.
Meek and quiet spirit "of great price".
A | 3: 16. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Your good conduct in Christ.