1 Peter

Conduct in Marriage 

Similarly, wives should be submissive to their husbands. If anyone resists the word, they will be convinced without words by their wives’ conduct.

It will be enough for them to see your responsible and blameless behavior. 

Do not focus on outward appearances: hairstyles, gold necklaces, and clothes. 

There is something more lasting that shines from within a person: a gentle and peaceful disposition. This is truly valuable in God’s eyes. 

This is how the holy women of the past behaved. They trusted in God and obeyed their husbands; 

namely, Sarah, who showed such respect for Abraham that she called him her lord. You are her children if you do what is right and do not fear.

Husbands, in your turn, be sensible in your life together. Be considerate, recognizing that the woman is of a more delicate nature and that you both share in the gift of life. This will prevent anything from interfering with your prayer.

Patience in Following Christ’s Example

Finally, all of you should be united in mind: share each other’s troubles with mutual affection, and be compassionate and humble.

 Never repay evil with evil or respond to insults with more insults. Instead, bless others, as that is your calling, and you will be blessed. 

For if you seek life and want to see happiness, keep your tongue from evil and your mouth from speaking deceit. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and chase after it. 

Because the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous and his ears listen to their pleas, but he frowns on evildoers. 

Who can harm you if you are dedicated to doing good? 

If you suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are you. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed as they are, 

but honor the Lord Christ in your hearts. Always be ready to defend your hope to anyone who demands an accounting of it, but do so with humility and respect. 

Maintain a clear conscience so that those who slander you will be ashamed of their accusations because of your good conduct in Christ. 

It is better to suffer for doing good, if it is God’s will, than for doing wrong. 

Remember how Christ died once for all for our sins. The righteous one died for the unrighteous to bring us to God. In the body, he was put to death; in the Spirit, he was raised to life, 

and it was then that he went to preach to the spirits imprisoned. 

They were the generation that doubted when God, in his great patience, delayed punishing the world while Noah built the ark, in which a small group of eight was saved through the water. 

That is a form of the baptism that now saves you; this baptism is not about physical cleansing but about asking God to reconcile us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He has ascended to heaven and is seated at God’s right hand, having subjected the angels, authorities, and powers.