Chapter 3

In like manner also let wives be subject to their husbands; so that even if any do not believe the word, they may without word be won through the behavior of their wives,

observing reverently your chaste behavior.

Let not theirs be the outward adornment of braiding the hair, or of wearing gold, or of putting on robes;

but let it be the inner life of the heart, in the imperishableness of a quiet and gentle spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.

For after this manner in old times the holy women also who hoped in God adorned themselves, while being subject to their husbands.

So Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are daughters of hers when you do what is right and fear no disturbance.

Husbands, in like manner dwell with your wives considerately, paying honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, and as co-heir of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered. In Christian Charity

Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, lovers of the brethren, merciful, humble;

not rendering evil for evil, or abuse for abuse, but contrariwise, blessing; for unto this were you called that you might inherit a blessing.

For, "He who would love life, And see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no deceit.

Let him turn away from evil and do good, let him seek after peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." In Christian Suffering

And who is there to harm you, if you are zealous for what is good?

But even if you suffer anything for justice' sake, blessed are you. So have no fear of their fear and do not be troubled.

But hallow the Lord Christ in your hearts. Be ready always with an answer to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you.

Yet do so with gentleness and fear, having a good conscience, so that wherein they speak in disparagement of you they who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Because Christ also died once for sins, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. Put to death indeed in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit,

in which also he went and preached to those spirits that were in prison.

These in times past had been disobedient when the patience of God waited in the days of Noe while the ark was building. In that ark a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water.

Its counterpart, Baptism, now saves you also (not the putting off of the filth of the flesh, but the inquiry of a good conscience after God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

who is at the right hand of God, swallowing up death that we might be made heirs of eternal life; for he went into heaven, Angels, Powers and Virtues being made subject to him.