Summer is a popular time for weddings, and 1 Peter 3:1–7 has much to say about Holy Matrimony. Although marriage was created in Paradise and remains a good gift of God, the first couple’s sin caused it to become a “marred blessing” (LW 1:71) with various difficulties placed upon them and their descendants: enmity with Satan, pain in childbearing, conflict between man and wife, difficulty providing for daily needs, and death (Genesis 3:15–19). For this reason, the New Testament not only proclaims the Offspring of the woman who would defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15) but also addresses how Christians are to live together in the community of Holy Matrimony.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Community of Marriage" on 1 Peter 3:1–7. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 3:1–7Wives and Husbands

3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

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Footnotes

1. 1 Peter 3:7 Some manuscripts since you are joint heirs

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org