1 Peter

Offers hope and instructions for Christians facing suffering and persecution.

Chapter 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;

*Similarly, wives, respect your husbands. This way, even if some don't follow the teachings, they might be influenced positively by your behavior at home.

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

*As they watch how pure you act, along with being afraid.

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;

*Let the decoration not be about external beauty like braiding hair, wearing gold, or dressing up in 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.

*But let it be the secret part of the heart, in what doesn't decay, even a nice decoration of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which God sees as very valuable.

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:

*In the past, faithful women who believed in God dressed modestly and respected 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.

*Just like Sarah listened to Abraham, calling him boss: you are his daughters if you behave well and aren't scared in a strange way.

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.

*Similarly, you husbands, live with your wives by understanding their needs, treating them with respect, since they are precious too, and both of you share in God's blessings. This ensures your prayers aren't blocked.

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

*In the end, all of you should think the same way, caring for each other, loving each other like brothers, being kind and polite.

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 respond to bad with more bad or complain back, but bless instead. You are called to do this because you will receive a blessing in return.

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:

*To enjoy life and have good days, one should control their tongue from doing bad things and make sure their lips don't lie.

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

*Avoid wrongdoing, do good things, seek peace and follow 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.

*God watches over good people and listens to their prayers, but he opposes those who do wrong.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

*Who would want to hurt you if you follow what is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

*But if you endure for doing what is right, you're blessed, and don't fear their threats or be worried.

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:

*But truly honor God in your heart and always be prepared to explain why you have hope to everyone who asks. Do this gently and with respect.

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.

*Having a clear conscience; so when people say bad things about you like you're a wrongdoer, they will feel embarrassed for accusing you wrongly of having a good behavior 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 better to suffer for doing good if that's what God wants, rather than suffering for doing something 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:

*Christ suffered once for our sins, both good and bad people, so he could bring us closer to God. He died in his body but was made alive again by the Spirit.

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

*Through which, he also visited and shared the message with the spirits trapped in jail.

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.

*In the past, some people disobeyed God during the time of Noah. God patiently waited as Noah built an ark. Only a few people, just eight, were saved from the flood by the water inside the ark.

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 verse says that baptism saves us today not by washing away physical dirt, but by giving us a clear conscience towards God because of Jesus' resurrection.

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

*Who went to heaven and is at God's side; angels, authorities, and powers are under his control.

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