1 Peter 3

3:1 Likewise, ¹ ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; ² that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

(1) In the third place he sets forth the wives duties to their husbands, commanding them to be obedient. (2) He speaks namely of those who had husbands who were not Christians, who ought so much the more be subject to their husbands, that by their honest and chaste conversation, they may win them to the Lord.

(3) He condemns the unrestrained indulgences and excesses of women, and sets forth their true apparel, such as is precious before God, that is, the inward and incorruptible, which consists in a meek and quiet spirit.

(a) Who has his abiding place fastened in the heart: so that the hidden man is set against the outward adorning of the body.
(b) Precious indeed and so taken of God.

(4) An argument taken from the example of women, and especially of Sarah, who was the mother of all believers.

(5) Because women are by nature fearful, he gives them to understand that he requires of them that subjection, which is not wrung out from them either by force or fear.

(6) He also teaches husbands their duties, that is, that the more understanding and wisdom they have, the more wisely and circumspectly they behave themselves.
(c) Do all the duties of wedlock.
(d) The more wisdom the husband has, the more circumspectly he must behave himself in bearing those inconveniences, which through the womans weakness often cause trouble both to the husband and the wife. (7) The second argument: because the wife nonetheless is weaker by nature than the man, she is an excellent instrument of the man, made for far more excellent uses: upon which it follows that she is not therefore to be neglected, because she is weak, but on the contrary she ought to be so much more cared for.
(e) Having an honest care for her.
(f) The woman is called a vessel after the manner of the Hebrews, because the husband uses her as his friend and helper, to live faithfully before God. (8) The third argument: for that they are equal in that which is the most important (that is to say, in the benefit of eternal life) who otherwise are unequal concerning the leadership and conduct at home, and therefore they are not to be despised although they are weak.
(g) Of that gracious and free benefit, by which we have everlasting life given to us. (9) The fourth argument: All fighting and rebuking must be avoided, because they hinder prayers and the whole service of God, to which both the husband and wife are equally called.

(10) He turns to common exhortations, and commends harmony and whatever things pertain to the maintenance of peace and mutual love.

(11) We must not only not recompense injury for injury, but we must also recompense them with benefits.
(12) An argument taken by comparison: Seeing that we ourselves are unworthy of so great bountifulness, than forgive one anothers faults? And from this verse to the end of the chapter, ( 1 Peter 3:9-22 ), there is a digression, to exhort us valiantly to bear afflictions.