ACC ~ 1 Peter 3 v7

BESTOW HONOR UPON THE WOMAN. AUGUSTINE: Is it true that such spouses do not think about the things of the Lord, how they might please him? They are very rare. Who denies this? ON THE GOOD OF MARRIAGE 12.14.

DOMESTIC TROUBLE HINDERS GOD’S WORK. SEVERUS OF ANTIOCH: The pure and united marriage of a man and woman speeds on toward the gates of heaven. For if they bear the image of conjunction by which the church is mystically conjoined to Christ as his bride, they can pray that they will be elevated to a position equal to that of the church. Peter enjoins obedience on wives and tells husbands to bear patiently with them. … He also shows that there is another reason for being patient, which is so that their prayers will not be hindered. For nothing hinders the work of God like trouble in the home. CATENA.

THE HUSBAND’S DUTY TO PROTECT THE WIFE. HILARY OF ARLES: The head can easily corrupt the members of the body, but Peter addresses himself to the latter first, lest it be thought that the lesser might somehow despise the greater. But then he goes on to exhort the greater to treat the lesser members properly. This means, first, husbands must respect the times set aside for prayer and fasting and not demand their marital rights if these are going to be a distraction from other things. Second, men must accept that they are stronger than their wives and therefore have a duty to protect them. Third, both parties are heirs of eternal life which God gives by grace, not by any merit which we may possess, and we do well to remember that “It depends not on man’s will or exertion, but on God’s mercy.” INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 1 PETER.

SEX AND PRAYER. BEDE: What Peter demanded of wives he now demands of husbands as well, for husbands must find out what God wants and give honor to the weaker vessel. If we abstain from intercourse we honor one another, but if we do not abstain, it is obvious that the intercourse, which we have is contrary to the demands of honor. Sexual intercourse is a barrier to prayer, as Paul also implied. This means that whenever I have intercourse I cannot pray. But if we are supposed to pray without ceasing, as Paul also said, it is obvious that I can never have sexual intercourse, because if I do so I shall have to interrupt my prayers. ON 1 PETER.