Sometimes preachers use certain passages to flatter women. For example, it is often said that the disciples who remained with Christ at his crucifixion and who first visited his tomb were women. It would seem, then, that women tend to possess greater spiritual courage and devotion. But the assertion cannot be proved in this manner. This is because women were so disrespected at the time that they were not regarded as threats or people of any significance. This is not to belittle them in any way, but we cannot say that they possessed superior spirituality over men just because of what they did, since they were not in as much danger as the male disciples.

My point is that we cannot assume comprehensive equality just because the idea is fashionable, especially when Peter says that one gender is "weaker" in some sense.

Now, based on a general reading of Scripture, it seems that at least Peter could be referring to bodily strength. That is, in general but not in every case, the husband tends to be physically stronger than his wife. This also fits the context quite well. A physically weaker wife is in danger of her unbelieving husband's abuse. But rather than giving way to fear, she should put her hope in God, following the examples of the holy women of the past (3:1-6).

The context also strongly suggests that Peter might be referring to social inferiority as well. Because of the woman's position – imposed not only by culture, but also by God's command – she is much more vulnerable to mistreatment, not only by her husband, but also by society in general. With this understanding in mind, and if there is any other way in which the wife is weaker, the husband should accommodate her, protect her, and honor her according to her needs.

Second, husbands are to treat their wives with understanding and honor because they are "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life." In other words, although they may be weaker in some sense, they are completely equal to men where it really counts. They are joint heirs in eternal life and the blessings of heaven. They are not hindered by or inferior to their husbands in any way when it comes to growth in knowledge, faith, love, courage, and the various spiritual gifts. They have direct access to God through Jesus Christ without the need for mediation by their husbands. And it is to God to whom they will give their final account.

Nevertheless, it is important to mention again, this changes nothing when it comes to the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. The husband is still the head of the wife, who must obey him in everything as she obeys the Lord himself. We have already observed the connection to Galatians 3:28. And there, Paul also affirms that Christian women are "heirs according to the promise" (v. 29). On this point, there is no difference between male and female.

Third, Peter tells the husbands to live with the wives according to knowledge, bestowing honor upon them, "so that nothing will hinder your prayers." This will sound strange to those who conceive of their faith as a strictly individual business. Although the Scripture acknowledges a private aspect of religion, it also affirms a communal dimension of faith. But even considered as an individual, the husband can hardly expect God to hear him while he mistreats his wife or harbors hostility toward her, whom God tells him to love and cherish even to the point of death (Ephesians 5:25). By the same token, no woman should suppose that she is spiritual or that she has the ear of God when she resents her husband, or if she is not entirely submissive and obedient toward him.

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