1 Peter 3

1. Likewise. That is, “In like manner”; on the same principle of subjection to the obligations of social life: see ii. 13, 18. On the duties and relations of the married state, cp. Eph. v. 22-33, and notes.

If any obey not the word. Even if any should remain unconverted.

without the word. i.e., by the silent eloquence of a “reverently chaste behaviour” (2).

3 let it not be that outward adorning, etc. “Whose adorning should be, not,” etc. This is not a prohibition of outward adorning, but a declaration of its worthlessness if opposed to, or separated from, grace (Speaker’s Commentary).

4 the hidden man. “But inside, in the heart” (Moffatt).

5 who trusted in God. Rather, “who hoped in God” (R.V.).

6 whose daughters ye are. Properly, “whose (Sarah’s) children ye became”; that is, when ye truly believed the gospel: cp. Gal. iii. 29.

as long as ye do well. Rather, “by doing well and not being afraid.” “Faisant le bien et ne craignant rien de ce qui peut épouvanter” (French version).

7 that your prayers be not hindered. By perverted relations of any kind, especially jealousy or discord: cp. 1 Cor. vii. 5. “Two hearts shall build a family altar; two prayers shall make a perfect strength; and the Christian Church shall have its roots and reservoirs in the Christian home” (J. M. E. Ross).

8 love as brethren. Rather, “having brotherly love.”

9 but contrariwise blessing. Blessing the doer or speaker of evil. Cp. Gen. xii. 1-3; Eph. iv. 32.

10. He that will love life. More clearly, as R.V., “He that would love life.” Cp. Psa. xxxiv. 12-16.

11 eschew. Or, “avoid.”

ensue. Or, “follow”: cp. Heb. xii. 14.

12 over . . . against. The same word in original, “upon.”

13 who is he that will harm you, etc.? That is, God will not suffer any real harm to befall you if you earnestly seek the good. “But if even ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye”: see Matt. v. 10.

14 be not afraid of their terror. The fear caused by persecutors; see Isa. viii. 12, 13, and note. But honour the Lord, “the Lord Christ” (the reading of the best MSS.), etc.

15 ready always to give an answer, etc. Let not your submission show itself in unworthy silence, but be ready to maintain and defend your hope as a Christian in reply to all inquiry.

16 that falsely accuse, etc. Or, “who slander your good manner of life in Christ”: cp. ii. 12.

18 once. Rather, “once for all.”

in the flesh. “The flesh” here probably means the mortal body, “flesh and blood,” which was laid in the tomb; and “the spirit,” the higher part of the human nature, indissolubly united with the Divine. Read, “in the spirit”: cp. 1 Tim. iii. 16.

19 by which. Rather, “in which”; i.e., “in the spirit.” Of the numerous interpretations which have been given of this most difficult passage the following are the most important:—I. That Christ preached through the instrumentality of Noah to the ungodly of his day, who perished in the Flood (2 Pet. ii. 5). Dr. C. H. H. Wright (Biblical Essays) translates, “Christ went and preached to the spirits in prison, disobedient aforetime, when the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” II. That Christ preached personally in His disembodied state between His death and resurrection. This is the view of Dorner, Alford and Plumptre. Some consider that Christ’s preaching then was either (i.) to expectant believers in Hades, or (ii.) to all the dead of former ages, or (iii.) to ancient unbelievers; of whom those who perished in Noah’s time are particularly mentioned, perhaps because of the next remark (21, 22). Whatever be the meaning of the words, there is evidently nothing in them to countenance either the notion of purgatorial suffering, or that of universal restoration.

20 saved by (through) water. The very water which destroyed the ungodly bore safely those who were in the ark.

21. The like figure whereunto, etc. Properly, “which (i.e., water) as an antitype now saved us also, [even] baptism.” As water was the means of saving those who were in the ark, so in baptism, the antitype, it is even now the means of saving us; but only when, instead of trusting in the outward washing, we conscientiously seek after God, through faith in our risen and exalted Redeemer: cp. Rom. vi. 1-4.

the answer . . . toward God. Rather, “inquiry . . . after God.”

by the resurrection. Cp. Paul’s argument: Rom. vi. 4, 5.

abominable. Lit., “unlawful”; i.e., forbidden by God: see Exod. xx. 3-5.