1 Peter 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Peter 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Wives are to be in subjection to their own husbands, so that they may be won by their behavior without a word (vv. 1-2). Their beauty should not only be outward, with braiding of hair and fine clothing, but in the heart, with a gentle and quiet spirit (vv.

Key verse

“Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;”
1 Peter 3:18 (WEB)

Outline

1 Peter 3:1–2 Wives’ Submission to Husbands
1 Peter 3:3–6 Inner Beauty over Outward Adornment
1 Peter 3:7 Husbands’ Honor and Understanding
1 Peter 3:8–9 Call to Unity and Kindness
1 Peter 3:10–12 Pursuing Goodness and Peace
1 Peter 3:13–17 Blessing in Suffering for Righteousness
1 Peter 3:18–22 Christ’s Suffering and Baptism Symbolism

Discussion questions

In v1, what behavior of wives may win their husbands who don’t obey the Word?
What does Peter say in v4 about the hidden person of the heart?
The mention of Sarah in v6: how does her example function in Peter’s argument?
In v21, what does Peter mean by 'the answer of a good conscience toward God' in relation to baptism?
When have you experienced a time when your hope in Christ led you to respond with humility?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Peter 3: Romans 12, Matthew 5, Psalm 34.

Before next time: read 1 Peter 4.