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Answer
The apostle Peter delivers an extensive lesson on the significance of Christian submission to authority, which includes submission to rulers and masters (1 Peter 2:13-25), as well as the submission of wives to their husbands (1 Peter 3:1-6). Peter refers to “holy women of the past” as examples for Christian wives to emulate, such as Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and respectfully called him her lord. If you do what is right and do not succumb to fear, you are considered her daughters (1 Peter 3:5-6).
Peter emphasizes that Sarah obeyed Abraham and honored him by addressing him with respect. Obedience and respect are crucial components of submission within a relationship. While the Scriptures do not provide extensive details about Sarah’s character as a wife, we do know that she remained faithful to Abraham. When God led him into unfamiliar territory, Sarah willingly accompanied her husband and embraced his nomadic lifestyle (Genesis 11:31;Genesis 12:1,5;13:1). She demonstrated trust in God and Abraham during various unsettling, challenging, and even perilous situations (Genesis 12:10-15;20:2-6;22:3).
0:2-6;22:3). Thus, Peter concludes that, because Sarah referred to Abraham as “lord,” her overall attitude toward him was one of affectionate and respectful submission.
Submission is a humble and respectful demeanor where obedience is willingly given in a relationship. God expects submission from all individuals (Psalm 2:9-11;Job 22:21 1 Peter 5:6), but particularly from believers (Hebrews 12:9;James 4:7). Since Jesus serves as our model and submitted to His heavenly Father (Luke 22:42;John 5:19;1 Corinthians 15:27-28;Hebrews 5:7-8;Hebrews 10:5-7), we are called to submit to God.
The Bible also instructs believers to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7;Titus 3:1;1 Peter 2:13-14;1 Timothy 2:1-2), as well as to coworkers and employers (Ephesians 6:7;Colossians 3:22-24;Titus 2:9-10;1 Peter 2:18), fellow believers (1 Corinthians 16:15-16;1 Peter 5:1-4), elders (Leviticus 19:32;1 Peter 5:5), church leaders (Hebrews 13:17;1 Thessalonians 5:12-13), and family members, maintaining a spirit of mutual submission (Ephesians 5:25-33).
Sarah addressed Abraham as lord during a time when it wasIt is not uncommon for women to use this title. Today, neither a husband nor a wife would likely be comfortable if such a designation were given. However, Christian wives can adopt the concept as Peter does to promote a loving, respectful attitude of submission toward their husbands. The apostle Paul reinforces Peter’s teaching, “For wives, this means to submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. . . . As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:22-24;NLT;see also Colossians 3:18).
First Peter 3:6 concludes with a caution: a wife’s submission to her husband should “not be driven by fear.” Fear tactics and intimidation are inappropriate in any relationship, particularly in a marriage. A woman should never be coerced or pressured into compliance. Therefore, Peter follows up with this corresponding advice to husbands: “In the same way, you husbands must honor your wives. Treat your wife with consideration as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her properly so that your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7;NLT;see also Ephesians 5:25,28-33;Colossians 3:19).
