< 1 Peter 3 >
1 In like manner, let the wives be in subjection to their own husbands; that, indeed, if any obey not the word, they, without the word, may be won by the behavior of their wives,
2 (when they behold you chaste behavior, joined with reverence: )
3 whose adorning, let it not be that which is external--the plaiting of hair, trinkets of gold, or finery of dress;
4 but--the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great value.
5 For thus, anciently, the holy women, also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands;
6 even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you are become, doing well, and not fearing any terror.
7 In like manner, husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as joint heirs of the favor of life, that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be all of one mind, sympathizing, lovers of the brethren, tender-hearted, courteous--
9 not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing.
10 "For he who is desirous to enjoy life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity."
13 Besides, who is he that will do evil to you, if you be imitators of the Good One?
14 Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:
15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with meekness and reverence, to every one who asks of you a reason for the hope which is in you.
16 Hold fast a good conscience, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may be put to shame who arraign your good behavior in Christ.
17 For it is better to suffer as well doers, if the will of God appoints it, than as evil doers.
18 For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alice by the Spirit.
19 By which, also, he made proclamation to the spirits in prison,
20 who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water--
21 the antitype, immersion, does, also, now save us, (not putting away the filth of the flesh; but seeking of a good conscience toward God, ) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
22 who, having gone into heaven, is at the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers, being subjected to him.
