1 Peter 3
1 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 of the wives;
Wives, accept your husbands' authority in the same way, so that if some husbands refuse to accept the word, they may still be won over without words by the way you behave,
2 While they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear.
recognizing your pure and reverent behavior.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Don't focus on outward attractiveness—hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fashionable clothes—
4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
instead let it come from within, the lasting attractiveness of a gentle and peaceful spirit on the inside. That's what God values.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
This is how holy women of the past who put their confidence in God made themselves beautiful, yielding to their husbands,
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, and called him “lord.” You are her daughters if you do what's good and right and are not intimidated.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Husbands, in just the same way, be considerate to your wives as you live together with them. Though she may not be as strong as you are, you should honor her since she will inherit equally with you God's gift of life. Make sure to do this so nothing will get in the way of your prayers.
8 Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:
Finally, you should all have the same attitude. Be sympathetic and love each other. Be compassionate, and humble.
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Don't pay back evil for evil, or retaliate when you're abused, instead you should give a blessing—because that's what you were called to do, so you could gain a blessing yourself.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Remember: “Those who want to love life, and to see good days, must refrain from speaking evil, and not tell lies.
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Turn away from evil and do good; search for peace—run after it!
12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.
For God sees those who do right, and he hears their prayers, but he opposes those who do evil.”
13 And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Who will harm you if you're keen to do good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
For even if you suffer for doing what's right, you're still better off. Don't be scared over what people threaten, don't worry about it;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
just keep your mind focused on Christ as Lord. Always be ready to explain to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. Do this in a gentle and respectful way.
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Make sure your conscience is clear, so that if anyone makes accusations against you, they will be embarrassed for speaking badly about the good way you live your life in Christ.
17 For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
It's certainly better to suffer for doing good, (if that's what God wants), than to suffer for doing wrong!
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Jesus died because of sins, once and for all, the one who is completely true and good and right died for those who are bad, so that he could bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but he came to life in the spirit.
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
He went to speak to those “imprisoned”
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
that refused to believe, when God patiently waited in the time of Noah while the ark was being built. Only a few—in fact eight people—were saved “through water.”
21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, ) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you, not by washing off dirt from your body, but as a positive response to God that comes from a clear conscience. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that makes your salvation possible.
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Having ascended to heaven, he stands at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers placed under his control.
A Dove is Sent Forth from the Ark
