…as the weaker partner…
What was life like two thousand years ago? Was it much different than life was two hundred years ago? How is it different today?
Life in our world is defined by our electronic servants. “Alexa, turn up the thermostat.” “Alexa, play some music.” We can push a button and order everything from dinner to a new car and have it delivered to our home. If we need heavy lifting done, we can hire a contractor or use a power tool. The need for physical strength is less important than it has been in the past.
Years ago, our roles as men and women were defined primarily by physical strength. In today’s world, strength is important, but not as defining as it once was.
I mention this because it is easy to make assumptions about Peter’s intent here. He is not being condescending. He is being practical. He is also speaking to men who, like himself, may take their roles for granted. As men, we sometimes assume that superior strength equals superiority in everything else as well. Peter wants Christian men to exercise humility in their Christian walk. Even with wives.
When talking with men, there are two general types of approaches that work well. One approach is the BIG STICK approach. This requires having some threat of force to make a man comply.
Peter takes the other approach. He appeals to a man’s desire to be noble. Instead of threatening men, he offers them a way of looking at the situation that appeals to their inner desire to be seen as a leader. He’s not saying that women are weaker in all things. He is taking the obvious fact that men tend to be larger and stronger as a reason for men to stop and think, “Yeah, maybe I should treat my wife with a bit more consideration…”
So is Peter wrong to use a little psychology on us men? Is he wrong to appeal to our better natures? I don’t think so. I think it shows that Peter knows how men are wired and what motivates us.
Application: If you want to change a person’s behavior, appeal to their inner nobility.
Food for Thought: Peter refers to a man’s wife as his ”partner.” What do you think he means by that word?
Things that come to mind are Eph 5:28 and 1 Peter 3:7 Peter says to “live with” your wives the Greek word “commune” from community which is a single shared life. They are heirs with you of the grace of life.
Thank you, Tim! Great insight!!
Thank you Tim. I like the idea of them being heirs with us of God’s Grace.
We are a union as one with our wives. I think the unity is important to God because the marriage partnership or union reflects the unity of the Triune God. The same word (Echad) for the two becoming “one” flesh in Genesis 2: 24 is used in the Shema for the Triune God being unified in “one” (Deuteronomy 6: 4). And Tim referred to the Ephesians 5 passage where it says if we love our wives we love ourselves, for they are an extension of us – likely referring to when Eve was created from Adam’s rib.
Rich,
Great comment! I like the tie-in with the word, “echad.” The challenge for many of us is making that partnership function. Not the way we want it to function, but the way God wants it to. That left me with the challenge of getting out of my own way. 🙂
Partner
Those together, transforming to much more than the sum of their individual capabilities.
Maybe overall Peter is struggling himself.
Feather,
Thanks for joining in today! I can’t speak to Peter’s situation, but I totally agree with the sum being greater than the parts.
I am going out on a limb here and say that it means just what is written,..
Back then women weren’t bodies builders or went out on the battle fields,..women back then weren’t considered of very much in value per say,..
Today is a whole different ball game,..it’s like women want everything a man has,..but it still remains a fact that God created man and woman,..men are to toil the earth and extract a living,..while women are to bare children while enduring the excruciating pain of child birth,..yes the list goes on,..seems like today the tables have sort of turned,..
Weird how women today want to toil the earth to extract a living and how men have even gone as far as having sex change operations to become the opposite sex. Oh how the table has turned.
Being a partner to me means sharing in and with all that God has provided of and for each other,..whether it be wits or grits
Peter refers to a man’s wife as his ”partner.” What do you think he means by that word?
Years ago a self help book titled “Men are from Mars women are from Venus” was very popular. I never read the book but often used the title in conversations regarding men trying to understand women. What some see as a problem, is seen by others as a God given opportunity.
Mathew 19:6, So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Ephesians 5:21, Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
My cooking is limited to “CHEAP” TV dinners and stuff in a can. My wife does not like these so she does the cooking, which we both like. I make our bed each morning, but don’t pay attention to how long the sheets have been on the bed, so she washes the bedding on her schedule. All electrical, plumbing, carpentry, lawn mowing, shrub trimming, automobile washing and maintenance issues are my responsibility. The cooking, baking, dishes, garden, chickens, cat box, house cleaning, remembering important events, making sure I take my daily medications and vitamins are hers. “We are partners.”
We did not sit down and make a list of who would do what, mostly, we quietly settled into this partnership where each agreed to let the other do what they were best at.
Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”
Okay, Ron, the picture in my head is this:
It is your night to cook. You have the tablecloth on the table, the lights are low, and two candles are lit. You turn on the radio for a little soft music and then you call your wife into dinner. She sits down with an expectant smile on her face. You, grinning from ear to ear and proud as punch produce two plates of MRE. Is that fairly accurate?? 🙂
On a serious note, I appreciate the examples you shared. I especially like the part where explain how your tasks were allotted. It sounds like both of you are looking out for the “weaker partner!”
Pretty close on first point Jeff.
It was a tough row to hoe in the beginning, but we are crusing now. and it was just a natural transition.
Yes on the weaker partner. I am so Blessed she is strong!
Thank you Ron your comment made me smile that you have a great partner that you share your life with.
Thank you Tim, God provides!!!
During my noon study I was brought to psalms 24 and how the earth and everything in it is the Lord’s. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. “They” will receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. So if you want a partnership that has the blessing of the Lord, husbands must have clean hands and a pure heart knowing that you, your relationship and everything you have belonges to God.
Excellent Tim. Great point.
👍🏻