Bible Commentaries
1 Peter 3

Verses 1-22

The marriage relation was then dealt with, and special emphasis was laid on the fact that the true adornment of woman is found in her character rather than in her dress. Husbands are charged to dwell with their wives according to knowledge. The final reason for the fulfilment of this ideal is that prayers be not hindered.

Passing to the subject of suffering which invariably follows loyalty to Christ, the apostle quoted from the Psalms. That shows that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears open to their supplication. With regard to evil, His face is on them. In the light of these facts the power of any to harm the followers of God is challenged. One supreme responsibility rests on them, and it is beautifully expressed in the words, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord." The issue of such loyalty will be that the very persons who revile will be put to shame.

In strengthening his brethren for suffering the apostle had cited the example of Christ. In this connection occurs a statement which has given rise to differing interpretations, and even to controversy. The simple meaning of it is that when He was put to death in the flesh, Christ passed into a new life of the spirit. In that life He went and preached to the spirits in prison. What His message was we are not told. Why only those disobedient in the days of Noah are mentioned is not stated. What the purpose or result of Christ's preaching was, is not revealed. On all these points we may form our own conclusions, but we have no authority for anything approaching dogmatic teaching.