The use of Sarah's example of obedience has been used to justify a wife sinning at the behest of her husband, because Sarah lied about her marital status at Abraham's request. The passage is one I have had to give much thought to due to this interpretation showing up in my own circle.
One thing that occured to me is that wives are told to submit but the word obey is only used in the context of Sarah's example. Furthermore, there seems to be an identifying mark of this obedience, that Sarah obeyed, calling Abraham 'Lord'. There is only one place where Sarah is recorded as calling Abraham 'Lord' and that is when they both hosted the three strangers, who were of course, the Lord and two angels. Sarah calls Abraham 'my lord' when she is laughing over the promise that she and Abraham would have a child.
Hebrews 11 says Sarah received that promise of a child by faith, a faith Abraham had already shown. I really think there is a solid case to make that Sarah's obedience that Peter is talking about is in following Abraham's faith in receiving the promise, not the other times she obeyed him in telling lies.
Good point. And it's certainly extreme to say that Sarah's example should lead us to believe a wife should sin for her husband. One thing that I didn't include here (because I was running out of time and afraid of making the article too long), is a point I heard Lynn Cohick make in the Alabaster Jar podcast: Peter may also be using the example of Sarah because like the wives married to unbelievers in Peter's day, Sarah was put in a position to be abused (twice) when Abraham lied about their relationship. Peter may be making the connection that, just as God saw Sarah through, God can see these women through. It was an interesting perspective (it was season five, either episode 32 or 33).
Bobby, thank you for so carefully reflecting on and researching these instances in scripture, and for seeing and upholding the worth and right place of women. I have long said that women can do this work all we like, but not much will change until the good men of theology rise up and support us. You are doing that here, and I wholeheartedly thank you for your work.
You're welcome, Anni! So many women are doing incredible work in this field and, more broadly, in biblical studies and theology. But I agree that women and men should be doing this together. Men should listen to and support their sisters.
I have shared this with our bible study, a group of coaches and a few other people. It was thoughtprovoking and well received. Thank you so much for your research and for explaining so well that we need to understand the context when reading and trying to apply ‚other people’s mail‘.
I have been thinking a lot about your point lately that Paul and Peter were trying to protect their women. They were also trying to protect a fledgeling movement and the message. It is a lot to carry - every passing year I study this issue I find more to learn. Curiosity is key! Thank you for digging so deep 🙏🏽
The use of Sarah's example of obedience has been used to justify a wife sinning at the behest of her husband, because Sarah lied about her marital status at Abraham's request. The passage is one I have had to give much thought to due to this interpretation showing up in my own circle.
One thing that occured to me is that wives are told to submit but the word obey is only used in the context of Sarah's example. Furthermore, there seems to be an identifying mark of this obedience, that Sarah obeyed, calling Abraham 'Lord'. There is only one place where Sarah is recorded as calling Abraham 'Lord' and that is when they both hosted the three strangers, who were of course, the Lord and two angels. Sarah calls Abraham 'my lord' when she is laughing over the promise that she and Abraham would have a child.
Hebrews 11 says Sarah received that promise of a child by faith, a faith Abraham had already shown. I really think there is a solid case to make that Sarah's obedience that Peter is talking about is in following Abraham's faith in receiving the promise, not the other times she obeyed him in telling lies.
Good point. And it's certainly extreme to say that Sarah's example should lead us to believe a wife should sin for her husband. One thing that I didn't include here (because I was running out of time and afraid of making the article too long), is a point I heard Lynn Cohick make in the Alabaster Jar podcast: Peter may also be using the example of Sarah because like the wives married to unbelievers in Peter's day, Sarah was put in a position to be abused (twice) when Abraham lied about their relationship. Peter may be making the connection that, just as God saw Sarah through, God can see these women through. It was an interesting perspective (it was season five, either episode 32 or 33).
I'm not sure it is wholly true that Abraham told Sarah to lie. My argument is laid out here:
Did Abraham order Sarah to be dishonest? (Is it always sinful to tell an untruth? – Part 4)
https://cryingoutforjustice.blog/2019/11/05/did-abraham-order-sarah-to-be-dishonest-is-it-always-sinful-to-tell-an-untruth/
Good point - I had read this years ago but forgotten that they were actually half siblings!
Bobby, thank you for so carefully reflecting on and researching these instances in scripture, and for seeing and upholding the worth and right place of women. I have long said that women can do this work all we like, but not much will change until the good men of theology rise up and support us. You are doing that here, and I wholeheartedly thank you for your work.
You're welcome, Anni! So many women are doing incredible work in this field and, more broadly, in biblical studies and theology. But I agree that women and men should be doing this together. Men should listen to and support their sisters.
Haven’t finished reading yet but this is fascinating.
Thanks, Summer!
I have shared this with our bible study, a group of coaches and a few other people. It was thoughtprovoking and well received. Thank you so much for your research and for explaining so well that we need to understand the context when reading and trying to apply ‚other people’s mail‘.
You’re welcome, Karin. I’m honored!
Great work Bobby!
I've put a link to your post at point 17) in my Non-Negotiables for Effective and Biblical Abuse Ministry.
https://cryingoutforjustice.blog/non-negotiables-for-effective-and-biblical-abuse-ministry/
Thank you, Barbara!
Here are some of my thoughts about 1 Peter 2-3.
Should wives submit to harsh husbands just like slaves submitting to harsh masters? (1 Peter 2 & 3)
https://cryingoutforjustice.blog/2014/11/02/should-wives-submit-to-harsh-husbands-just-like-slaves-submitting-to-harsh-masters-1-peter-2-3/
1 Peter 3:6 — Sarah’s children do what is right and do not give way to fear
https://cryingoutforjustice.blog/2014/10/25/1-peter-36-sarahs-children-do-what-is-right-and-do-not-give-way-to-fear/
I have been thinking a lot about your point lately that Paul and Peter were trying to protect their women. They were also trying to protect a fledgeling movement and the message. It is a lot to carry - every passing year I study this issue I find more to learn. Curiosity is key! Thank you for digging so deep 🙏🏽