1. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Is Peter’s instruction valid only for men with believing wives?

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

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.

Clearly, the principle that Peter is developing in 1 Peter 2:11 – 3:7 does not let all Christian men with unbelieving wives off the hook (1 Peter 2:17). In fact, the purpose for husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way” is to prompt the unbelieving wife to “see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Corinthians 2:12; see also 1 Corinthians 3:1), so that she might yet inherit the grace of God “with you.”