A word to wives with unsaved husbands

The natural desire to see spiritual blessings poured upon those whom we love makes the position of Christian wives with unconverted husbands a particularly challenging one. Peter underlines the general principle of submission to one's own husband, but acknowledges the specific circumstance that not all husbands of Christian women are themselves believers. He therefore identifies the desired outcome for unsaved husbands, and—indeed—all unconverted family members: that they may be won to Christ. He encourages Christian wives to use particular means to accomplish this, under God: even if an unbelieving husband resists the Word of God, the conduct of a godly wife might compel investigation of the gospel which produces a Christlike character the likes of which the pagan world can never produce.