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and respect the leadership of their husbands (see Eph. 5:22–33). Paul is not enjoining the wives to
follow the prevailing cultural patterns of the day but to live as is fitting in the Lord. Seven times in
these nine verses (Col. 3:18–4:1) Paul roots his instructions in “the Lord” or an equivalent term, thus
stressing the importance of evaluating everything in light of Christ and his teaching.

1 Peter 3:7

“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 of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Commentary

Peter’s advice to husbands is compressed, perhaps because he addresses at more length those under
authority who are more likely to be mistreated (slaves and wives). The word “likewise" is merely a
transition (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1; 5:5); it does not mean husbands should submit to their wives, since Scripture
never teaches this (see Eph. 5:21–33). “To live … in an understanding way" probably focuses on living in
accord with God’s will, which includes understanding the needs of a wife. Interpreters differ over
whether weaker vessel means weaker in terms of delegated authority, emotions, or physical strength.
Peter is probably thinking of the general truth that men are physically stronger than women and may
be tempted to threaten their wives through physical or verbal abuse. Women and men share an equal
destiny as “heirs … of the grace of life." Peter does not think women are inferior to men, for both are
equally made in God’s image (cf. Gal. 3:28). If husbands do not treat their wives in a godly way, the
Lord will pay no heed to their prayers.

Hebrews 13:4

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral
and adulterous.”

Commentary

Marriage is to be held in honor, and chastity in marriage is called for, with the warning that God will
judge anyone who is sexually immoral (Gk. pornos, a general term referring to anyone who engages in
sexual conduct outside of marriage between a man and a woman) or adulterous (Gk. moichos,
referring to anyone who is unfaithful to a spouse). This warning is addressed to members of the
church, and if they are genuine Christian believers, this judgment of God would not mean final
condemnation to hell (cf. Rom. 8:1) but would bring disciplinary judgment in this life (cf. Heb. 12:5–11)
or loss of reward at the last day, or both. However, in light of the earlier warning passages (Heb. 3:12–
14; Heb. 6:4–8; Heb. 10:26–31; Heb. 12:14–17), it is possible that such sexual immorality will be an
indication that the person committing it is in fact not a true believer and not born again.