1 Peter 3:1–12

Verse 1. Let wives, and so forth In the first six verses he gives instructions to married women. 1. By their modest and submissive dispositions to endeavour to gain and convert their husbands, shewing them such a respect as Sara did, (whose daughters they ought to esteem themselves) who called Abraham her lord, or master; (Genesis 18:12) 2. To be modest in their dress, without vanity; 3. That women take the greatest care of the hidden man, that is of the interior disposition of their heart, which he calls the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit; 4. Not fearing any trouble, when God’s service or the duty to their husbands require it. Witham.

Verse 7. Husbands, and so forth His advice to husbands: 1. To carry themselves towards their wives with knowledge, prudence, and discretion; 2. Not in any imperious manner, but treating their wives with respect and honour, though a wife be the weaker vessel both in body and mind; 3. Considering themselves and their wives to be joint heirs with them of God’s graces and favours, both in this world and the next; 4. That their prayers and duty to God be not hindered, neither by too great a fondness and compliance, nor by disagreements and dissensions. Witham.

Verse 8. Be ye all of one mind. These instructions are not only for man and wife, but for every one, to whom in general these virtues are recommended. And every one’s duty is comprised in these few words of Psalms 33. “Turn away from evil, and do good.… The eyes of the Lord are upon the just.… But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things,” and so forth Nothing can hurt you, and you need fear no menaces, no terrors, if with zeal you follow and adhere to what is good. Witham.