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Email: <lelgee@voicenet.com>The last four verses of 1 Peter 2 emphasized the servant character of the man of God. They equally apply to the master and to his servants. The text probably ought not to have been divided at this point, since "the wives" have their part also among the servants of the Lord, as persons "suitable" to their own husbands. Women in Christ are given talents and pounds with which to "occupy" during the absence of the Master. Other than from the envy of less capable brethren, seldom is a problem in the ecclesias caused by a strong sister; or by "the wives" who seek to usurp authority over their husbands. This rare situation is not what Peter addresses.
It is the disobedient, slothful husband - doing his work not "good" - whom Peter is concerned about. For, a husband and father who shirks his obligations to the Lord makes himself the father of "children of disobedience." The resultant situation alone is a very, very heavy burden for a faithful wife to bear, as well as creating problems for the ecclesia.
1. Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Likewise, 3668. In the like way.
Ye wives, 1135. Generally translated as women; secondarily as wife.
Be in subjection, 5293. As in 1 Peter 2:13: To place (one's self) in subjection under.
Your, 3588. Ho: the definite article, the.
Own, 2398. Idios: Belonging to; a property; under ownership to.
Husbands, 435. Aner: the married man.
The statement which Peter makes here is not merely a simplistic reminder to the married women that each wife should know who she is married to!
Peter is telling each married woman that the advice of another man - one not her husband, whether the advice is good or bad - is not to be made superior to that of the will of her own husband - and especially so when her own husband "obeys not the Word."
Quite a lot of trouble is caused in "the church" whenever a marital or family problem is made public knowledge; and when other men produce opinions which contradict the will of the woman's husband - whether the man has "obeyed the Word" or not. He is still her lord and her master. She is to be the obedient wife. Other men ought not to busybody with, nor counsel against her husband's word without his consent. And she ought not to ask any other brother to intercede; the only other right authority for her to ask is Jesus Christ.
In the Lord's case it was "the church," his espoused bride, whom he loved as himself. Think about this principle, and then reflect concerning the pure mind of those few brethren who wish to impose their own code of dress upon the women of Christadelphia - upon the woman whom Peter commands to be subject to her own head, her own husband! Good wife, in the service of the Lord, obey you own husband, (but do not use your obedience as a license for ungodly conduct).
Other "husbands" ought not to come between a man's decision concerning his own wife. It is the hard-hearted man indeed who would respect his own female partner any less better than he respects his own person.
So that, 2443. A demonstrative conjunction, connected to the if.
Any, 5100. Any husband of the wives Peter now addresses.
Obey not, 544. They are not fully persuaded of what they have heard about God.
The word, 3056. Logos: see under 1 Peter 1:23. The "new" teaching of God as uttered and interpreted by the Lord Jesus Christ who gave (us) freedom from the Law of death. See 1 Peter 2:16; "as free and not using our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness..."
They also, 2532 Even any one of them.
Without, 427. Meaning outside, (but looking in).
The word, 3056. If the husband does not hear the Word, he nevertheless will see the Word in its working in the daily activities of his wife.
May be won, 2770. A very interesting word as used in the N.T.; to get gain.
Conversation, 391. Manners of life, habits, conduct, behavior, the full deportment. 1 Timothy 4:12 provides a good example of the habits of a truly Christian woman.
Wives, 1135. The wife will at the same time be providing a good example for her daughters.
2 While they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear.
While they behold, 2029. Literally, to look on; to gaze at.
Your, 5216. Your, of the wife.
Chaste, 53. Hagnos; from hagios: holy, set apart. To be pure.
Conversation, 391. The word first appears in 1 Peter 1:15. Here Peter speaks of the pure habits - the faultlessness - of every man's wife.
Fear, 5401. Phobos; to have a phobia toward; an apprehension. The same attitude of mind as required of the servants to their masters.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Whose, 3739. Which
Adorning, 2889. Kosmos; usually translated as world! The adorning -- the cosmetic arrangment -- of the earth was created by the angels during the same time in which they created the man and his wife; i.e., the adorning of the earth was appointed with all the things required to make it suitable for God's purpose. So Peter orders the cosmetic appearance of the woman in Christ:
Outward, 1855. Outer appearance.
Plaiting, 1708. Fancy setting in curls and knots.
Hair, 2359. The whole head of hair. Stylish hairdos.
Wearing, 4025. Or putting around her neck or wrists.
Of gold, 5553. Displays of gold jewelry.
Or, 2228.
Of putting on, 1745.
Of apparel, 2440. Stylish dress and other garb. The wife should not dress so as to provide an external show for admiration, or as an object to be desired by another man. Such conduct is actually a sign of the inner conceit.
4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
But, 235. Except; instead of "pleasing men..."
The hidden, 2927. The "hidden man of the heart" is a simile for the secret thoughts of the mind." One's thoughts are hidden from men unless expressed verbally, but to God who has sealed every elect individual with the earnest of the spirit, the mind of that man is open to God's eyes; and He sees the secret intents of the heart. If this were not possible to Him, there would be no detection of fault or correction of sin possible by Him. The same method of examination is served upon evil men who are not chosen, but whom the LORD nevertheless cares for - the unjust as well as the just - until death.
Man, 444. The person; the individual.
Of the heart, 2588. Literally, the heart. "The life is in the blood," for the blood is what sustains the mortal life. Furthermore, who knows where the spirit comes from or to whence it goes, except God? It is the spirit of good which Peter is seeking to remind all the pilgrims to be concerned about.
Not corruptible, 862. Incorrupted.
Of a meek, 4239. The mild disposition; a gentle temper.
Quiet, 2272. Tranquil; peaceable.
Spirit, 4151. The vital sign which moves a body; the breath.
Which, 3739. The meek and quiet spirit...
The sight, 1799. Before; in the presence of.
Of God, 2316. The Father.
Great price, 4185. Very precious, like a pearl... See Matthew 13:45-46, a very short parable describing the kingdom of the heavens.
What more does God require of anyone than such evidence of a good spirit?
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
For, 1063. Conjunction, tying the preceding with what is now offered as evidence.
After this manner, 3779. Usually translated as so. "And, so..." Peter is now providing an example for the wives to emulate.
In the old time, 4218. At one time; formerly.
The holy, 40. Holy, saintly women as Peter defines their holiness.
Women, 1135. Wives, as translated in the prior verses.
Also, 2532. Over 8,000 times translated as and. A woman may be totally submissive to her husband but still not have a trust in any God. Peter joins the two elements together as the path for a woman's perfect walk in Christ.
Who, 3588. The definite article, ho.
Trusted, 1679. Thayer says, "to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence." It stands to reason that a woman who has an unfaithful or godless husband is not dependent upon him for her salvation, even though she must depend upon him to fulfill his legal responsibilities toward her and any children of the marriage.
In, 1909. Epi; upon
God, 2316. God, the Father of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Adorned, 2885. Kosmeo. The visible surface arrangement of habits.
Themselves, 1438.
Being in subjection, 5293. Submissive under the command of him.
Unto their own, 2398. Idios; the word is repeated from verse one. The wife is subject only to her own husband.
Husbands, 435. The one to whom she properly belongs and is married to.
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Even as, 5613. In comparison, for the example.
Sara, 4564. The Old Testament record of Abraham and Sarah begins in Genesis 12, and ends with Chapter 25.
Obeyed, 5219. As she listened to Abraham's command. Her husband, you may recall, also had 318 trained men (servants) under his charge...
Abraham, 11. Even when Abraham bade her to call herself his sister - for fear of men - did Sarah obey Abraham. Husbands who make many wise decisions can sometimes foolishly place their wives in jeopardy with other men.
Calling him, 2564. Addressing as, 'my lord.'
Lord, 2962. This word, kurios, is a title, not a proper name; and is so used throughout the whole of the New Testament. Its root is in kuros, one who is supreme.
Whose, 3739. Referring to Abraham, specifically to the children whom he becomes father of, according to the word of God's promise in Genesis 17:4-5.
Daughters, 5043. Offspring, children, sons.
Ye are, as long as ye do well, 15. To do good (works); to obey.
And are not afraid, 5399. In respectful fear under the command of one's own lord.
With any, 3367. With none, nothing of the element of terror. This refers to the element of fear which drives out love.
Amazement, 4423. To be afraid with terror. This refers to the paralysis of fear which drives all other thought from the mind.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Likewise, 3668. In the same way; equally.
Ye husbands, 435. The married men...
Dwell with, 4924. Literally, dwell together...
[The wives] according, 2596.
To knowledge, 1108. Gnosis. This word is made much of in places where an academic attitude is held, but the simple Scriptural definition of the word means that good knowledge which is according to what is known through the teachings of Jesus Christ: the knowledge of good (works in Christ) as opposed to the knowledge of evil (desires of the flesh) which the serpent introduced into the world.
Giving, 632. Portioning out; assigning; from 3551 law, and 575 from. This is the only instance of this construction being used in the New Testament. The husband is held under some constraint -- the love of God -- in the matter of his exercise of knowledge.
Honor, 5092. The value by which a price is fixed. A husband who does not respect his wife very highly will not much prize her value in other ways either. Herein lies the basis of many divorce proceedings, for a man who treats his wife abominably is also in violation of the second commandment of the royal law.
Unto the wife, 1134. The Greek is gunaikeios, the female. A man's attitude toward women in general is then either toward honor, or dishonoring of his own head!
As unto the weaker, 772. A weaker one is the one who has less bodily vigor than his peer. Weaker, too, is the woman on account that the woman was made from the man's rib, a more fragile version of homo sapien.
Vessel, 4632. The word is mostly used of containers. The weakness of the container has no relevance to any contents of the vessel. Indeed, a container's fragility often is a sign of a more delicate workmanship and of a much greater value to its owner.
And as being heirs together 4789. As joint participants.
Of the grace, 5485. Grace is the favor of God Who wills to share His good things with us, and for us in turn to do good things for others.
Of life, 2222. The greatest favor offered by the Father is to live as He lives, eternally and in holiness.
Peter's assessment of the honor which a man is obliged to give his wife is based upon a sound principle, the love of God which was shown toward mankind before ever the first man was created. If God so honors the man, so ought he to honor his wife, because without this extension of grace and mercy toward the female, the man will be hindered.
That your, 5216. Whose prayers? The man's prayers.
Prayers, 4335. The petitions for a favor... "To him that hath gained.., more will be given... To him that hath not... even that which he hath... shall be taken away..."
Be not hindered, 1581. Ekkopto. The Greek is much more emphatic than the AV's translation; the word means "cut off." When a man is "cut off" from speaking he is peremptorily removed from having any further word heard concerning his matters. When he listens not to God's commandments, he is himself not listened to by God - unless he reverses his position.
This discourse by Peter gets to the roots of many of the problems which affect a man's family and its happiness. The husband has a great responsibility to teach his wife and children what is good, and just and right in the sight of God. When he does not honor his wife nor his commitment toward her and to his children, then both the first and the second commandments are violated, and the society must bear the upset and the brunt of the evil results.
Peter now turns his attention to the whole family of believers in regard to their inter-community relationships.
8. Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:
Finally, 5056. But; and. In connection with the foregoing instruction, Peter gives other commands.
[Be ye] all, 3956. The all includes servants, wives and husbands, each of whom has a "head" to obey, but over all, individually and collectively, is the body's "head," the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Of one mind, 3675. A unique word meaning "the same mind" as directed by the Father and by the Lord, Jesus Christ. Without this fashion of the "same mind," the individual is still carnal in disposition, not spiritual, not perfect in knowledge.
Having compassion one of another, 4835. Sumpathes; as may be expected from its sound, sympathetic in feeling.
Love as brethren, 5361. Philadelphos. Loving one another as brother and sister.
[Be]pitiful, 2155. Tenderhearted; good insides.
[Be] courteous, 5391. Curbing your affection; showing good manners. In case the reader should misunderstand these words, Peter shows what he does not wish should happen.
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Peter now repeats the gist of his five words from Chapter Two: To "lay aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and all evil speakings."
Not rendering, 591. Not to "pay back," give or reward evil with evil doing. Any exchange on such terms defeats the love of God and violates the first commandments. Control of the tongue is the first imperative. See James.
Evil for evil, 2556. Plain evil, in speech or in action.
Or, 2228.
Railing for railing, 3059. Reviling; speaking in reproachful language.
But contrariwise, 5121. But, speak in the opposite manner, as...
Blessing, 2129. With blessing, i.e., in praise and commendation of good (works).
Knowing, 1492. Eido; with the perception of insight in the truth.
That ye are thereunto, 5124.
Called, 2564. Kaleo; to be called to; to be summoned by name.
That ye should inherit, 2816. To receive the portion assigned to one as an heir of the promises made to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
A blessing, 2127. The things that have been well-spoken of in the Gospel of the kingdom.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
For, 1063. The inheritance of the blessing is dependent of the good use of one's mouth, Luke 19:21-23.
He thatwill, 2309. Thelo; to have in mind; or, intends to get [the inheritance].
Love, 25. The verb, to love.
Life, 2222. The noun, (the) life.
And see, 1492. The verb, to perceive, to see.
Good, 18. Good things.
Days, 2250. Of the days of his [promised eternal] life.
Let him refrain, 3973. Pauo. Pause; i.e., cease and desist.
His tongue, 1100. Literally, keep his tongue quiet...
From evil, 2556. From speech that is injurious to others.
And his lips, 5491. The lips are the mouth's doorway.
That they speak, 2980. Laleo.
No, 3361. Giving a negative quality to his words.
Guile, 1388. Dolos. This was the Serpent's speech in deceiving the woman. He posed his utterance so that it provoked a negative reaction. Read Paul's comment concerning the "oracles of God" in Hebrews 5:13-14 and in the "discipline" of God in 12:8-11. Without either exercise, men are certainly "seed of the serpent."
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Let him eschew, 1578. Eschew means to be inclined away from a thing. James recognized that "the tongue, no man can tame;" thus it is impossible that offences do not come by our words.
Evil, 2556. As defined just above: injurious speech.
And do, 4160. To do or to make [the alternative deed instead].
Good, 18. Which Peter defines as, a good thing.
Let him seek, 2212. To search for the good thing to do.
Peace, 1515. To bring about peace to all concerned.
And ensue it, 1377. And to persecute it. A peace that is persecuted is a peace that is always pursued after without ceasing.
12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil
For the eyes, 3788. The eyes of the LORD are located in the wheels of His cherubim, Ezekiel 1:18; who carry about His glory, Isaiah 3:8.
Of the Lord, 2962. Of both the Father and the Son, for prayer is to be made in the name of Jesus Christ who bears his Father's name. Thus, he and the Father are one.
Are over, 1909. Above; watching from the heavens.
The righteous, 1342. Tsedeq is the corresponding Hebrew word; the "sons of Zadok," per Ezekiel, who Peter seems to have in mind here.
And his ears, 3775. "He who made the ear, does He not hear?"
Unto their prayers, 1162. Wants; things asked of Him. See James 5:4. The next statement is set in apposition to the foregoing statement:
But, the face, 4383 of the Lord, 2962. Literally, the face; but usually is an allusion to the angelic presence of the LORD who watches at his post...
Against, 1909. Stands above (them). As in Ezekiel, the idea is that the angelic presence is prepared to discipline whenever commanded.
Them that do, 4160. To do, make, or bring forth a work.
Evil, 2556. Evilly; badly. Adjective of to do evil. Things adverse to godliness.
13 And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
And who, 5101. Who, or what will badly affect you?
Harm you, 2559. The verb of to do evil, 2556, in the preceding verse.
If, 1437. A disclaimer is attached to the present offer of eternal life.
Ye be followers, 3402. Be mimes, be imitators.
Of that which is good, 18. Good things, approved of God.
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But and if, 235 and 1499. Peter recognizes that even for doing well, a person still may be treated badly by his friends and foes.
Ye suffer, 3958. To undergo insensitive treatment.
For righteousness, 1343. For acting right.
Happy, 3107. Blessed.
Be not afraid, 5399. See under v. 6.
Of their terror, 5401. See under v. 2. Do not succumb to their doubts.
Neither, 3366.
Troubled, 5015. Do not become agitated, or shaken in spirit. Now, this is a very difficult thing to do, especially for me, in which the flesh is weak, although the spirit may be willing to do well.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
But, 1161. To the contrary, act.
Sanctify, 37. Set apart or acknowledge.
The Lord, 2962. The lord, the master.God, 2316. God, the Father of spirits.
In your, 5216.
Hearts, 2588. The heart, the seat of our life's blood; and the mind, the seat of the spirit's turmoils.
And [be] ready, 2092. To prepare; to make ready.
Always, 104. At each and every opportunity.
An answer, 627. Apologia; from whence comes the English apology. It means to defend a position. Paul made several apologies concerning Jesus Christ and the hope of Israel, but he was still condemned to death by Rome.
To every man, 3956. Every person, male or female.
That asketh, 154. That calls for an account of the matter.
Reason, 3056. Logos; the word of the matter. This is the word by which we shall all be judged: our faith.
Hope, 1680. The hope of Israel through Jesus Christ.
Meekness, 4240. Mildness of disposition; with a gentle spirit.
And fear, 5401. As above. These three qualities ought to be found in all the family of Jesus Christ - in servants, in children, in wives and in husbands and in every day's living.
16. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Having, 2192. Echo; as in 1 Peter 2:16. To have; to use.
A good, 18. As in v. 13. Approved of God.
Conscience, 4893. The knowledge of the goodness of God in one's own mind and spirit.
That, whereas, 3739. So that, in (the accusation as it stands)...
They speak evil, 2635. They speak against you...
As of evildoers, 2555. As an evil worker, or malefactor.
They may be ashamed, 2617. Kataischuno. Confounded; ashamed. They who wrongfully oppose you may bring the dishonor upon their own heads.
That falsely accuse, 1908. Epereazo. Those who insult, revile or treat you abusively. (This Greek verb is not to be confused with "the devil" - diabolos).
Your, 5216. What belongs to you, and...
Good, 18. As above, what is approved of God.
Conversation, 391. The pure habits - the faultlessness - of every one's personal conduct.
In Christ, 5547. Because, those being treated so badly are being proved by the Holy Spirit, to be following the commandments of Christ, sharing in the Lord's sufferings in the flesh.
17 For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For [it is] better, 2909. Kreitton. Better, as a comparison with good approval. A better service, a refinement of character - is revealed by the suffering, than shown by the mere holding of an untested faith.
If, 1487. If the condition of one's faith warrants a trial.
The will, 2307. For the further will, purpose or pleasure of the Father.
Of God, 2316. God, the creator of man.
Be so, that ye suffer, 3958. Undergo insensitive treatment from men, but as a test of the strength of faith in God on His part.
Well doing, 15. In doing good (works); in obedience to God.
Than, 2228. As opposed to...
For evil doing, 2554. Bad, wrong work; sloth or no work! Because good works makes the evil one look bad, often it is the idle worker who badmouths those who are working.
18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
At this point in the epistle there is a wresting of the Scriptures by Bible readers, mostly Mormon and Evangelical people, and of even those who have not yet developed an understanding of how the Spirit of God works in the spirit of a man to maintain that person in a state of obedience; and approved of God. They do not see the subtle but harmless truth concerning the "spirit of Christ," but they take this "spirit" to be the personal, pre-existing spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. They do not understand how the Father and the Son are one in the Holy Spirit.
For Christ, 5547. The anointed man of God. The anointing was a sign of God's approval of this man's physical character and of his spiritual substance.
Also, 2532. Even so.
Once, 530. One time. One test alone is needed when all other qualifications have been visibly shown as well done. That is the test of death.
Has suffered, 3958. Not only did the Lord suffer every insensitive treatment from men, but he responded from within as commanded by the Father.
For sins, 266. Errors, not of his own, but under those men who erred in their mistreatment of him.
The just, 1342. "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." "The just one" was a title used of Jesus Christ. James mentions it.
For the unjust, 94. These unjust are those who take part in the evil-doing described above by Peter.
That he might bring us, 4317. The errorists; the sinners.
To God, 2316. God, the Father.
Being put to death, 2289. Put to death by the judicial commandment which had been issued to Adam, per Genesis 2:16-17, before even Eve was created out of his side. "It is appointed to men to die one time," Hebrews 9:27-28, "for with this is the judgment" as the decree states in Genesis 2:17. Consequently, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life," per Revelation 2:10.
In the flesh, 4561. The muscle tissue of the body which normally corrupts in death, leaving only the dry bones.
But quickened, 2227. Being made to live (again)...
By the Spirit, 4151. Through the indwelling power of the Father's (good) Holy Spirit which moved and worked mightily in the Christ.
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
By which, 3739. Literally, "In that which..." is a manifest form visibly appearing in the holy spirit of God.
Also, 2532. Here the translation must be given the third meaning: even.
He went, 4198. Made to go; was sent. The action occurs in the Middle Voice: he, she, it. Since the Holy Spirit is neither male nor female in being, we ought to use the pronoun it in this place, even though "the preacher" who was moved by the Holy Spirit quite likely was a male appointed by God, and therefore rightly should be referred to as he. The Holy Spirit was made to go, just as he, John the Baptist, was made to go in the power of the Holy Spirit before Christ to proclaim the approach of Israel's messiah to other more recent imprisoned spirits than those of Noah's time.
Preached, 2784. To proclaim in public in the manner of a herald.
The spirits, 4151. To those living then who were bound by all manners of evil spirit. Read Genesis 6:1-8. "My Spirit shall not always strive with man..," v. 3.
In prison, 5438. As even in this day, men were then too in the bonds of sin for wrong doing; under the judgment of God's wrath on account of their striving against His Word.
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Which sometime, 4218. Usually translated as in time/times past...
Were disobedient, 544. Thus, men were held accountable by the preaching of the Holy Spirit for their sin, and were held liable to the Second Death. See Genesis 6:11-13.
When, 3753. In the time spoken of.
Once, 530. One time. I.e., as one example of God's work while "long-suffering" with the people.
Longsuffering, 3115. From makro: long, great, 3117 and thumos: wrath, 2372. Peter is speaking of the great wrath which God contained during the time He was providing the way for the escape of the prisoners of Death...
Of God, 2316.
Waited, 1551. Ekdechomai. Literally, to wait out. God waited out the days while Noah prepared the ark for the safety of the living ones of God's elect in that ancient age. God held his wrath in check, Genesis 6:3, and also limited men's life span to 120 years.
In the days, 2250
Noah, 3575. The Flood destroyed the old world approximately 2348 B.C., about 1656 years after the world's creation. See Genesis 9:13,15. One hundred years later, about 2248 B.C., the new world's language was "confused" at the tower of Babel.
While the ark, 2787. See Genesis 6:14-22.
Was a preparing, 2680. Kataskeuazo; a technical term of construction builders. It includes the full scope of the construction process, from receipt of the initial building plan to the completion and furnishing of the entire project.
Wherein, 1519. In the constructed ark...
Few, that is, 3641. Oligos; a small number.
Eight, 3638. Noah, his three sons; plus their wives are eight in number.
Souls, 5590. Psuche: lives. Their bodies, with the breath intact.
Were saved, 1295. Diasozo. Provided with the means of escape; kept from the appointed watery destruction, according to the preaching of the Holy Spirit.
By water, 5204. Read Genesis 7 through 9. Peter is not wandering in his mind or spirit.
He speaks of God's salvation as preached in the spirit of Christ in the prophets. He is making a very strong point as he compares the holiness and righteousness which is required of every individual chosen by God, if that person desires not to be destroyed from before the presence of the Lord in the judgment to come at the reappearance of Jesus Christ. In his Second Epistle Peter returns to this point in regard to the coming wrath -- the severity of God -- upon the present world of unrighteousness, in its appointment to destruction by the fire now reserved in the heavens...
21. The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The like figure, 499. Antitupos; antitypical, a pattern of comparable features.
Whereunto, 3739. Which is antitypical of baptism.
Baptism, 908. Immersion; total submersion under water.
Doth save, 4982. Save; rescue from the danger of death.
Now, 3568. Nun; at this time; the present.
Not, 3756.
The putting away, 595. To put off or away from the flesh.
Filth, 4509. This word appears only four times in all its forms. In use it defines both the literal and the figurative types of filth which defile "the flesh." Baptism is not a simple bath to remove filth from the outer body.
Flesh, 4561. Sarx. Peter speaks not of the actual flesh.
But, 235. Being otherwise.
Answer, 1906. An enquiry; a demand. The requirement.
Of a good, 18. Good. The tree of knowledge bears two fruits; evil and good, per Genesis 2:17. Touching the evil brought death...
Conscience, 4893. Suneido: to see together; not heeding the carnality in the mind and senses of the body but being conscious of the good which we are required to do toward God.
Toward, 1519.
God, 2316. The Father.
Resurrection, 386. The rising from the dead into bodily life again.
Of Jesus, 2424. Christ, 5547. Through the man anointed to save men out of death and the destruction to come in the judgment of this present world too.
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Who, 3739. He, the Lord, Jesus Christ, through the power of the holy spirit which dwelt within him.
Gone, 4198. To pursue a journey. In the Lord's case, he was sent by God; he came, was born out of the flesh and the resurrection as the Son of God, (Psalm 2:7), and has passed onward into the way of eternal life.
Into, 1519.
Heaven, 3772. The heavens are the realm over which the LORD rules.
And is on, 1722. En: in, by, with, at.
Right hand, 1188. He has received a position at the right side of the Father.
God, 2316.
Angels, 32. The holy spirits of the heavens, the messengers of the LORD, who are sent to do His bidding.
Authorities, 1849. Thayer defines exousia as the power of choice; liberty of doing as one pleases.
Powers, 1411. The ability or strength to perform any act or activity.
Being made subject 5293 unto him. The powers and authority have been put under him on account of his surpassing obedience to the Father's will to do only the good things as commanded to him.
The requirement of a good conscience toward God, when fully proven by baptism and resurrection from the dead, at the judgment brings God's salvation and the protection from His coming wrath.