(Tap footnote to read it. Old Testament quotations are underlined. "Love" with a caret ("^love") is agapé.1"agapé" The Greek words ἀγάπη (agapé, noun), and ἀγαπάω (agapaó; verb) are typically translated "love". However, unlike our English word "love" – which primarily speaks of affection and feelings – agapé centers on choice and behavior. It’s the "love" based on will, choice, behavior, and action; not feelings. (Feelings-based love is the Greek word φιλέω (phileó), which properly means "brotherly love/affection".) Thus, you could hate someone passionately and still treat him with "agapé". Agapé "love" is best understood as the pursuit of what is most beneficial to someone or something, regardless of the cost to yourself or the type of response received from the person or thing. It can also indicate a preference for someone or something over other things. )
Wives and Husbands
- In the same way, wives be submitting to your own husbands so that even if any disobey the word, they will be won over without a word through the conduct of the wives,
- having observed your pure conduct in reverent fear,1“reverent fear” is one word in Greek, and is the same word that’s used in the phrase “reverent fear of the lord”. It’s possible that this reverent fear is directed towards God, but also possible it’s directed towards the husband since Ephesians 5:33 commands wives to “reverently fear” their husbands with this same word. Either or both could’ve been intended.
- whose primary adornment must not be the external adornment of elaborate hair-braiding and wearing of gold, or even the wearing of clothes,
- but the hidden man of the heart; in the incorruptible adornment of gentle strength2“gentle strength” this Greek word is often translated “meek” or “gentle”. However, it doesn’t mean the absence of power as “meek” would suggest. Instead, it specifically refers to strength or power that is gently exercised without undue harshness. i.e. some who is strong but applies their strength gently. and a tranquil spirit which is very precious in the sight of God.
- For in this way also in the past, the holy women hoping in God were adorning themselves, submitting themselves to their own husbands.
- Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him ‘lord’;3“lord” could also be translated “master”, as the Greek word means both. “Master” is possibly the intent because in Hebrew (the language Sarah spoke), the word for “husband” more accurately means “master” or “owner”. whose children you became if you’re doing good and not fearing anyone’s consternation.
- In the same way, husbands be dwelling with your wives with knowledge and understanding,4“knowledge and understanding” is one word in Greek, which primarily means “knowledge”, but very regularly has the sense of understanding as well. since the female is the weaker vessel; giving them due honor since they’re also joint-heirs of the grace of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered.
Good and evil, blessing and suffering
- And finally, all are to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, and humble,
- not repaying evil in exchange for evil, or insult in exchange for insult; but on the contrary blessing, because you were called into this so you might inherit a blessing.
- For “the man desiring to ^love life and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips are not to speak deceit.
- “Let him also turn away from evil and let him do good. Let him seek peace and let him pursue it.
- “Because the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous, and His ears towards their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against men doing evil.”5quotation/allusion to Psalm 34:12-16
- And who is the man who will harm you if you become zealous for what’s good?
- But even if you suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. “And you shouldn’t fear what they fear, nor should you be shaken.”6quotation/allusion to Isaiah 8:12
- And sanctify the Anointed as Lord in your hearts, always prepared for a verbal defense to every man asking you for an account concerning the hope in you, but with gentle strength and reverent fear,
- having a good conscience so that by this – by you being slandered – the men disparaging your good conduct in the Anointed might be ashamed.
- For to suffer while doing good (if the will of God wills it) is better than doing evil,
- because the Anointed also suffered once concerning sins – the righteous for the benefit of the unrighteous – so He might bring you to God. Having indeed been put to death in the flesh but made alive in spirit,
- and having gone in that state, He proclaimed to the spirits in prison
- who formerly disobeyed when the forbearance of God was waiting in the days of Noah while the ark was being built; in which a few – that is, eight souls – were saved through the water.
- Which also is a picture of the baptism which now saves you; not a removal of filth from flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus the Anointed.
- He who is at God’s right hand, having been brought into heaven, with angels and authorities and powers having been submitted to Him.
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