We’re continuing through the book of 1 Peter. We’re currently in a section of Scripture dealing with the different areas of society where we need to be under submission. I understand that this is a controversial word in some sectors.
However, I’m going to try and give the biblical teaching. I want to show the true Scriptural way that we are to arrange ourselves under the structures of human society.
The purpose of this is to bring the Gospel into all the structures of society. So that through us, Christ can be seen.
Today, Peter is talking about the home.
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
1 Peter 3:1-2 NIV
The actual words used in this verse are more general than this translation makes it seem. Peter says to women, in the same manner, arrange yourself under your own man.
When we were going through some of Paul’s writings, he talked about the three phases he saw in the lives of Christian women.
Phase one was the virgin, submitted to her father’s authority. Phase two is the married woman, submitted to her husband’s authority. Phase three is the widow, submitted to Christ’s authority.
Right now, our society has a huge single female population. Scripturally, this is uncharted territory. There are those who are single and on their own. There are those who are divorced, with children. These are just a couple of examples.
In this post I want to start with the husband and wife relationship. In the marriage relationship, the wife must arrange herself under her own husband. That being said, I want to deal with some unscriptural views.
First of all, I have to give the truth that all women are NOT called to submit under all men. A wife is only to arrange herself under her own husband. I know there are some who teach that all women are to submit under all men. That is simply not Scriptural.
The next thing I have to clear up is that arranging yourself under does NOT mean you are a slave to that person. Again, I know there are some who teach that the husband is the supreme ruler of the home.
Remember from chapter 2, that submission is an internal thing. It is not to be forced from the outside by the husband. It’s a condition of your heart.
In actuality, the husband is not the head of the home. I will leave you with this verse as proof of this truth and continue in my next post.
Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 NIV
Without a doubt, Christ is to be the head of the home.
Question: How does this compare to what we see played out in Christian homes.
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 