1 Peter 3:6- like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter gives a specific example of the “holy women” he mentioned in the previous verse. He points to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as a model of respectful and faithful living. Sarah showed honor to her husband by trusting and following him, even when life was uncertain.
The word lord here simply means “master” or “leader.” It was a common, respectful way a wife spoke of her husband in that time. Peter is not telling Christian wives to use this title today but pointing to Sarah’s attitude of respect and trust.
Peter then says that Christian women are like Sarah’s daughters if they do what is right and don’t let fear control them. He’s encouraging them to live with strength, doing what is good and honorable, even when it feels risky or when they’re married to unbelieving husbands. Their courage and quiet strength come from trusting God, not from giving in to fear or pressure.
Historical Context
Peter is writing to Christians living in the Roman Empire, many of whom were facing hardship, ridicule, or family conflict because of their faith. Some Christian women were married to non-Christian men. In that culture, for a wife to have her own faith could be seen as rebellious or shameful.
By pointing to Sarah, Peter is anchoring his teaching in the story of God’s people. Sarah followed Abraham as he obeyed God’s call to leave everything behind. She lived in tents, traveled to unknown places, and waited years for God to keep His promise. Through it all, she respected Abraham and trusted God, even when life felt uncertain.
Peter is encouraging Christian wives to follow that same example of quiet strength and trust.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that respect and submission in marriage are not about weakness but about trusting God enough to do what is right, even when it’s hard.
It also shows that fear is one of the biggest obstacles to living faithfully. When a person fears what others think, or fears losing control, or fears uncertainty, they can be tempted to manipulate, argue, or rebel. Peter says real strength is shown by trusting God and living with courage and peace.
It reminds us that believers are part of a spiritual family. Christian women who live this way are like daughters of Sarah—part of the long story of God’s people who live by faith.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses the example of Sarah to make his teaching personal and practical. Instead of giving a list of rules, he points to a real person whose life showed what this looks like.
The phrase do what is right and do not give way to fear is powerful. It calls readers to active, courageous faith. Peter is not encouraging passivity but strong, confident, godly living without fear.
The reference to being Sarah’s daughters is symbolic. It’s about following in her footsteps—living by faith, with trust and respect.
Cross-References
- Genesis 18:12 – Sarah refers to Abraham as “my lord.”
- Hebrews 11:11 – By faith, Sarah herself received power to conceive, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.
- Proverbs 31:25 – She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
- Romans 4:18-21 – Abraham’s faith in God’s promise.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, especially Christian women, this verse is a reminder that living faithfully at home is just as important as living faithfully in public. It’s a call to show respect, kindness, and trust in God within marriage—even when circumstances are difficult.
For all believers, this verse teaches that fear should not control us. Trusting God means we can live with courage and peace, choosing what is right even when it’s hard.
It also reminds us that we belong to a family of faith. We are not the first to face challenges; others before us, like Sarah, have walked the same road.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God cares about the daily, personal parts of our lives—like marriage and family. He wants His people to live with peace, trust, and respect in their closest relationships.
It also shows that God does not want His people to live in fear. He is a loving God who invites us to trust Him completely, knowing He is in control even when life feels uncertain.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of someone who did what was right and did not give way to fear. He submitted to the will of His Father, even when it meant suffering and death (Luke 22:42).
Through His life and sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for believers to live without fear. He gives His followers the Holy Spirit, who produces peace, courage, and love in their hearts (John 14:27; Galatians 5:22-23).
Peter’s call to live with strength, respect, and faith points directly to the example of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter chose Sarah as an example for Christian women?
- What does it mean to “do what is right” in the context of marriage and family?
- How can fear affect the way we live out our faith in close relationships?
- What does this verse teach about true strength and courage?
- In what ways did Jesus model the kind of humble, fearless obedience Peter describes?