1 Peter 3

Peter applies this pattern of humble submission to marriage — wives to husbands, with a gentle and quiet spirit of inner beauty, and husbands honoring their wives as “heirs with you of the grace of life.” He then calls all believers to unity, sympathy, brotherly love, tenderness, and humility, blessing rather than returning evil for evil. Citing Psalm 34, he urges them to seek peace and do good, for “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.” Even if they suffer for righteousness’ sake, they are blessed; they should “have no fear,” but “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks... for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” keeping a good conscience. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God,” put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, and now, risen, “at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”