Journey of the Word

How would you describe a person who doesn’t obey? Maybe “disobedient” or “rebellious”?

How about someone who doesn’t obey the word?

Well, let’s assume “the word” is the Bible. So, to disobey the word would be to disobey God’s Word. Agree?

But consider this one:

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. 1 Peter 3:1

Now, most people will tell you that this passage is referring to the unbelieving spouse. “The word” is the offer of salvation found in the gospel, and “not obeying” refers to the rejection of that gospel.

So they say.

Since when do we describe an unbeliever as “someone who doesn’t obey”?

I was skeptical. Until this.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth . . . 1 Peter 1:22

And this:

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 1 Peter 2:8

And this:

What will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17

In each of these instances, obedience to the word/truth/gospel is the distinction of the believer.

So now, having personally seen confirmation in the Word {and all in 1 Peter, no less!}, yes, it appears 1 Peter 3:1 is referring to the unbelieving spouse after all.

How did I make this “discovery”?

I chose not to assume that the typical interpretation was the correct one. I asked a question and didn’t rush to find an “answer.” I didn’t look for related books or blogs or study notes. I simply read 1 Peter over and over, prayed for sight for my weak, distracted eyes, and waited. 

This, my friends, is the beauty of knowing God by studying his Word.

 [image credit: pixabay.com]