1 Peter 3 — FBV
3Verse 1Wives, accept your husbands' authority in the same way, so that if some husbands refuse to accept the Word, they may still be won over without words by the way you behave,Verse 2recognizing your pure and reverent behavior.Verse 3Don't focus on outward attractiveness—hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fashionable clothes—Verse 4instead let it come from within, the lasting attractiveness of a gentle and peaceful spirit on the inside. That's what God values.Verse 5This is how holy women of the past who put their confidence in God made themselves beautiful, yielding to their husbands,Verse 6like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, and called him “lord.”+You are her daughters if you do what's good and right and are not intimidated.Verse 7Husbands, in just the same way, be considerate to your wives as you live together with them. Though she may not be as strong as you are, you should honor her since she will inherit equally with you God's gift of life. Make sure to do this so nothing will get in the way of your prayers.Verse 8Finally, you should all have the same attitude. Be sympathetic and love each other. Be compassionate, and humble.Verse 9Don't pay back evil for evil, or retaliate when you're abused, instead you should give a blessing—because that's what you were called to do, so you could gain a blessing yourself.Verse 10Remember: “Those who want to love life, and to see good days, must refrain from speaking evil, and not tell lies.Verse 11Turn away from evil and do good; search for peace—run after it!Verse 12For God sees those who do right, and he hears their prayers, but he opposes those who do evil.”+Verse 13Who will harm you if you're keen to do good?Verse 14For even if you suffer for doing what's right, you're still better off. Don't be scared over what people threaten, don't worry about it;Verse 15just keep your mind focused on Christ as Lord. Always be ready to explain to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. Do this in a gentle and respectful way.Verse 16Make sure your conscience is clear, so that if anyone makes accusations against you, they will be embarrassed for speaking badly about the good way you live your life in Christ.Verse 17It's certainly better to suffer for doing good (if that's what God wants), than to suffer for doing wrong!Verse 18Jesus died because of sins, once and for all, the one who is completely true and good and right died for those who are bad,+so that he could bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but he came to life in the spirit.Verse 19He went to speak to those “imprisoned”+Verse 20that refused to believe, when God patiently waited in the time of Noah while the ark was being built. Only a few—in fact eight people—were saved “through water.”Verse 21This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you, not by washing off dirt from your body, but as a positive response to God that comes from a clear conscience. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that makes your salvation possible.Verse 22Having ascended to heaven, he stands at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers placed under his control.