Quote:
Originally Posted by votivesoul
Regarding 1 Peter 3:1:6,
The context is the submission Christian wives are to render unto their husbands, particularly either unsaved/unbelieving husbands, or Christian husbands who are currently in a state of disobedience/unbelief, for whatever reason.
If a Christian woman finds herself in such a context, Simon urges them to not think that beautifying themselves outwardly is going to entice the husband to obey the Word. It will not. Rather, it is the inner qualities of the Christian wife's life that will do the trick.
This passage, therefore, is not a prohibition against the wearing of any or all jewelry, any more than it is a prohibition against "putting on of apparel". Essentially, Simon is urging Christian wives in this context to not try to deck themselves out in their finery in order to use their appearance as the means whereby their husbands will convert or begin to obey the Word.
This strongly suggests that these Christian women did indeed have jewelry insomuch as Simon is counseling them not to wear such things as a means of securing their husband's obedience. The implication is if you own and wear such things as jewelry, do not depend upon it as the mechanism whereby your husband is going to become convinced to submit to the Lord. Rather, trust in the work of the Holy Spirit through you, granting you meekness and quietness of heart. |
It seems vs 3-6 are explanatory of v 2, and are describing "chaste conversation". In other words, I don't see the admonition against jewelry and finery being strictly limited to evangelistic attempts to win over an unbelieving husband.
How would a woman obey the instructions while still wearing all the finery involved? Would she only dress up when not around her husband? That seems like it would accomplish the exact opposite of the intended effect?