In the Graeco-Roman society of Peter’s day, the man (husband) had liberties that the woman (wife) did not have. According to the “human institutions” of the day (1 Peter 2:13), he was free to have as many sexual relations as he wished with other women (or men). In fact, he was not expected to share his life with his wife. In that light, Peter’s instruction to “live with your wives” implies more than co-existing under one roof. Without being explicit, his command points to the same unity-of-being between husband and his wife as Paul had detailed in Ephesians 5:22–33.
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.