(Women and Words) Understanding "Wives Submit" and the Household Codes in 1 Peter 3:1–7 with Dr. Jeannine Brown

In this episode of the Mutuality Matters podcast from CBE International, hosts Mimi and Charel speak with Dr. Jeannine Brown who discusses the pressing need to interpret the Biblical text of 1 Peter 3:1–7 within its first-century Greco-Roman context. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical background behind the passages on submission, particularly 1 Peter 3:1–7. She explores how Peter's household codes provide agency to often marginalized groups like wives and slaves, contrary to the hierarchical norms of the time. The conversation underscores the relevance today of recognizing and respecting context while interpreting Biblical texts—an essential factor for both scholars and modern readers. 00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 00:02 Exploring the Context of Submission in 1 Peter 00:49 Welcome and Introductions 01:33 Reading and Analyzing 1 Peter 3:1-7 02:57 Cultural Background and Interpretation 03:37 Household Codes in the Greco-Roman World 07:24 Missional Moments and Divided Households 08:20 Challenges for Christian Wives in the First Century 10:03 Slavery and Moral Agency in 1 Peter 11:28 Understanding Peter's Use of Household Codes 16:50 Modern Interpretations and Misconceptions 27:46 The Role of Headings in Biblical Interpretation 30:15 Instructions for Husbands in 1 Peter 3:7 36:30 Exploring Social and Physical Vulnerability 37:19 Interpreting 'Weaker Vessel' in Context 38:02 Challenging Traditional Views on Gender Roles 40:18 Co-Heirs and Inheritance in Early Christianity 41:50 Family Metaphors in 1 Peter 43:37 Egalitarian Impulses in the New Testament 45:28 Household Codes and Their Implications 50:08 Suffering for Good and Loyalty to Jesus 52:47 Translation Challenges and Responsibilities 58:01 Applying 1 Peter in Modern Contexts 01:04:03 Conclusion and Further Resources Guest Bio: Dr. Jeannine Brown Jeannine Brown is professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary and Program Director of Bethel Seminary’s Online programs. Jeannine received in MA from Bethel Seminary, Saint Paul, MN. and her PhD from Luther seminary, Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Brown has taught at Bethel Seminary for over 20 years. She teaches in the areas of New Testament, Greek, hermeneutics, and integration. Dr. Brown has focused much of her research and writing on the Gospels, hermeneutics, and interdisciplinary integration. In addition to a book on biblical hermeneutics (Scripture as Communication, now in second edition) and two books on integration, she has published three commentaries on Matthew's Gospel and one on Philippians (Tyndale NT series). She is a member of the NIV translation team and is an editor for the NIV Study Bible, revised edition (2020). Her current writing projects include a commentary 1 Peter (NICNT) and book on themes in 1 Peter. Jeannine’s other published works include: Scripture as Communication (2021, 2007); The Gospels as Stories (2020); Relational Integration of Psychology and Christian Theology (2018); Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation about Christian Formation (2011); Embedded Genres in the New Testament: Understanding Their Impact for Interpretation and three commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew (2018, 2015, 2012). Jeannine Brown co-edited the second edition of Jesus and the Gospels (2013). She has published numerous journal articles and book essays on the Gospels of Matthew and John, 1 Peter, and topics of hermeneutics. Some of these have been published in Journal of Biblical Literature, New Testament Studies, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and Horizons in Biblical Theology. Jeannine thoroughly enjoys teaching in churches and ministries on the topics of Bible interpretation and the New Testament. She is married to Tim Brown, singer-songwriter, and has two adult daughters. Story Notes Today’s podcast focused on 1 Pet 3:1–7. In the NIV it reads: "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will ...