1 Peter 3:1-7

Mission spot

Before you begin the study, read these updates together. Invite three people to each pray for one of our mission partners.

Claire | Basque Country, Spain

Claire writes that rising rents, unemployment and political division have left many young people anxious about their future. One encouragement was a recent weekend away with Christian uni students. They’re a small group, but Claire came home encouraged by their hope in Jesus and their eagerness to share him with their friends.

  • Give thanks for these students. Pray that they’ll grow in faith and number, and have courage to speak about Jesus on campus.

  • Pray that young people longing for justice and truth will find hope and peace in Jesus.

  • Pray for the election on 29 November. Ask God to raise up wise leaders who will work across political divides to find just and lasting solutions.

Paul and Leah Davies | Preparing for the Republic of Ireland

Paul, Leah and their four children have been waiting for visas since August 2025. They hope to join Kinsale Baptist Church, where they want to make disciples, train local leaders and help those leaders plant churches.

  • Give thanks for the 11 churches partnering with the Davies family and for a few days on the Central Coast that helped them feel refreshed. Pray for energy as they visit partner churches this term.

  • Pray that their visas will come through soon so they can leave within six to eight weeks of approval. Ask God to help Paul and Leah trust his timing and to care for their children through the uncertainty.

  • Pray for Kinsale Baptist Church as its members share Jesus with their neighbours. Pray that people unsettled by unrest in Ireland will find living hope in him.

Morgan and Olivia | Dubai

  • Give thanks for the refreshment Morgan and Olivia found in visiting Australia and for the privilege of working together for Christ.

  • Pray for peace in their city and region, protection for vulnerable people, and that many will find eternal hope in Jesus.

  • Pray for the newly launched Renewal Church, and for unity and healing in the church they sent out to southern India.

  • Pray for the women’s Bible studies starting in the coming weeks, including the Thursday night group meeting in Morgan and Olivia’s home.

Discussion Guide


Read 1 Peter 3:1-7

3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Discuss

  1. What stood out to you? Was there anything you found difficult to understand or agree with?

  2. Look back at 2:12–20. What concerns run through Peter’s instructions about governing authorities and his words to enslaved Christians about their masters? How does that context shape the way we read his words about marriage?

  3. Peter begins with “in the same way.” Look back at Jesus’ response to mistreatment in 2:21–23. How does his example shape the way we hear Peter’s words to wives and husbands?

  4. How does Jesus display some of the characteristics that are asked of wives in this passage?

  5. When you here of ‘submission’ in the context of marriage, what are some potentially unhelpful assumptions or connotations that we might be tempted to bring to it?

  6. Peter speaks of the power of actions in changing someones mind, where have you seen conduct or behaviour be more compelling than words alone when it comes to demonstrating the gospel?

  7. In verses 1–2, what does Peter hope an unbelieving husband will notice about his wife?

  8. In verses 3–4, what does Peter describe as precious to God? How does that compare with the things we tend to notice or praise in someone?

  9. What does Peter ask of husbands in verse 7, and how does that sit alongside what he has said to wives? Why does it matter that he calls wives fellow heirs of God’s gift of life?

  10. Peter connects the way a husband treats his wife with his prayers. Why do you think God takes what happens between them at home so seriously?

    Apply

  11. Which parts of this passage do you find more challenging or most at odds with how our culture talks bout the roles of men and women?

  12. What is one way of thinking or acting that this passage challenges in your life specifically?

    Pray