In the Same Way ... - Psalm 34:8

Peter continues his discussion of submission in today’s Bible reading* with the words, “In the same way” on how wives should submit to their husbands. (1 Peter 3:1) He also concludes his thoughts on submission with the same words when addressing husbands, telling them to live with their wives in an understanding way. (1 Peter 3:7)

Depending on your translation, you may read, “In the same way”, “In like manner”, “Similarly”, or “Likewise”. Peter says, “Wives, just like everyone is to submit to human authorities, submit to your husbands.” I have pointed this out elsewhere, but everywhere a New Testament writer commands a woman to submit, it is always in the context of a relationship with her own husband specifically. Women — in general — are never told to submit to men — in general. And the command is always given to the wives to submit themselves. Nowhere does a Biblical writer tell one person to make sure another person submits.

Missing these key points leads to distortions of what the New Testament writers clearly say.

Application

Submission is a good thing. Relationships (from marriage to military corps to workplaces to churches) don’t work if everyone thinks he/she is better or deserves a higher than another person and fights or murmurs until they get the “position” they want.

Submission follows proper leadership. Everyone must humbly find his/her position under God’s authority. No one gets to do whatever they want.

And the result? Everyone benefits and is honored as they take their place.

* Today we are reading 1 Peter 3.

This devotional was originally published on October 10, 2019.

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