1 Peter 3

1 Wives, accept your husbands' authority in the same way, so that if some husbands refuse to accept the word, they may still be won over without words by the way you behave,

In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any do not obey the word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;

2 recognizing your pure and reverent behavior.

seeing your pure behavior in fear.

3 Don't focus on outward attractiveness—hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fashionable clothes—

Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;

4 instead let it come from within, the lasting attractiveness of a gentle and peaceful spirit on the inside. That's what God values.

but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.

5 This is how holy women of the past who put their confidence in God made themselves beautiful, yielding to their husbands,

For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

6 like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, and called him “lord.” You are her daughters if you do what's good and right and are not intimidated.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

7 Husbands, in just the same way, be considerate to your wives as you live together with them. Though she may not be as strong as you are, you should honor her since she will inherit equally with you God's gift of life. Make sure to do this so nothing will get in the way of your prayers.

You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

8 Finally, you should all have the same attitude. Be sympathetic and love each other. Be compassionate, and humble.

Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble,

9 Don't pay back evil for evil, or retaliate when you're abused, instead you should give a blessing—because that's what you were called to do, so you could gain a blessing yourself.

not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; because to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

10 Remember: “Those who want to love life, and to see good days, must refrain from speaking evil, and not tell lies.

For, "He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

11 Turn away from evil and do good; search for peace—run after it!

Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

12 For God sees those who do right, and he hears their prayers, but he opposes those who do evil.”

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13 Who will harm you if you're keen to do good?

Now who is he who will harm you, if you become zealous of that which is good?

14 For even if you suffer for doing what's right, you're still better off. Don't be scared over what people threaten, don't worry about it;

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not fear what they fear, nor be troubled."

15 just keep your mind focused on Christ as Lord. Always be ready to explain to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. Do this in a gentle and respectful way.

But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with humility and fear:

16 Make sure your conscience is clear, so that if anyone makes accusations against you, they will be embarrassed for speaking badly about the good way you live your life in Christ.

having a good conscience; so that when they speak evil against you, they may be put to shame who slander your good manner of life in Christ.

17 It's certainly better to suffer for doing good, (if that's what God wants), than to suffer for doing wrong!

For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

18 Jesus died because of sins, once and for all, the one who is completely true and good and right died for those who are bad, so that he could bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but he came to life in the spirit.

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

19 He went to speak to those “imprisoned”

in which he also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison,

20 that refused to believe, when God patiently waited in the time of Noah while the ark was being built. Only a few—in fact eight people—were saved “through water.”

who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the box-shaped ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved by means of water.

21 This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you, not by washing off dirt from your body, but as a positive response to God that comes from a clear conscience. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that makes your salvation possible.

This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body, but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 Having ascended to heaven, he stands at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers placed under his control.

who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

A Dove is Sent Forth from the Ark