as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter isn't just pointing to Sarah's obedience as a model, but specifically to her attitude of calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't just a formal title, but a way of showing profound respect and recognition of his God-given role, which Peter says is the true mark of her spiritual children, not just blind compliance.
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is encouraging wives to live in such a way that even if their husbands are not believers, their godly conduct will win them over. He uses Sarah as an example of her submission to Abraham, not as a model of blind obedience, but of a faith-filled life that brought honor to God. This advice is framed within a broader discussion on how believers should live with integrity and grace, especially in challenging relationships, to reflect Christ.
Ever feel like you have to fight to be heard or respected? The Bible shows us a different, powerful way.
Peter points to Sarah, the matriarch, as an example of godly submission. It's not about weakness, but about recognizing God's order in relationships.
Respect as a Foundation
Sarah's act of calling Abraham 'lord' wasn't just a polite formality. It was a deep acknowledgment of his God-given role as head of their household. This outward expression reflected an inward posture of trust and respect, even when things were difficult or confusing (like when Abraham initially went along with Hagar).
The Fruit of Submission
When we intentionally choose respectful speech and actions, even when it's hard, we reflect Christ's own humility. This is the 'doing good' Peter mentions – a life lived in active love and deference, not out of fear, but out of faith.
What truly controls your reactions? Is it fear of what might happen, or faith in Who holds your future?
Peter links genuine 'doing good' and embodying Sarah's spirit to a profound freedom from fear. He states, 'And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.'
The Core of Faith
This isn't about never feeling afraid. It's about not letting fear dictate your actions or compromise your integrity. When we truly trust God's sovereignty and His goodness, even the most intimidating circumstances lose their power over us.
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Children of Promise
As Sarah's spiritual children, our inheritance is not just obedience but also this fearless heart. It's a life characterized by good deeds done not under duress, but empowered by the Spirit and anchored in the unshakable reality of God's control.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A term of respect or authority, indicating recognition of a superior position or status within a relationship or social hierarchy. In a biblical context, it often denotes someone who has rightful authority or headship.
agathopoieō · Greek Verb
The act of performing actions that are morally right, pleasing to God, and beneficial to others, often contrasted with evil or sin. It is a fundamental expectation of the believer's life in Christ.
phobos · Greek Noun
A feeling of anxiety, dread, or intimidation caused by external circumstances or threats. The Bible frequently commands believers to avoid this, trusting instead in God's sovereignty and protection.
Peter uses Sarah's example not just for submission, but as a model of inner resolve and faithfulness, urging his readers to embody her courageous spirit in the face of fear.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham and Sarah migrate to Canaan
Abraham and Sarah, originally from Ur, embarked on a journey of faith, migrating to the land of Canaan under God's direction. This period marks the beginning of God's covenantal relationship with them.
c. 1900 BC
God renews covenant promises
Despite their human frailties, God repeatedly affirmed His covenant promises to Abraham and Sarah concerning land, descendants, and blessing. Sarah, though barren for many years, eventually bore Isaac.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Peter writes to scattered believers
The Apostle Peter addresses his letter to Jewish and Gentile believers dispersed throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor, facing social hostility and persecution.
Early 1st century AD
Emphasis on household codes
Early Christian communities, influenced by Roman patriarchal society, often emphasized proper roles within families, including mutual respect and submission between wives and husbands.
This is the specific instance Peter is referencing, where Sarah laughs from inside her tent and calls Abraham 'lord' after hearing the promise of a son.
Ephesians 5:22Paul echoes Peter's sentiment about wives submitting to their husbands, framing it within the context of Christ's relationship with the church.
Colossians 3:18This passage offers a similar instruction for wives to be subject to their husbands, emphasizing its appropriateness in the Lord.
1 Peter 3:14Peter continues the thought from verse 6, connecting obedience and doing good with not fearing persecution, highlighting that true spiritual children are marked by righteousness even when suffering.
Peter isn't just pointing to Sarah's obedience as a model, but specifically to her attitude of calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't just a formal title, but a way of showing profound respect and recognition of his God-given role, which Peter says is the true mark of her spiritual children, not just blind compliance.
Peter is encouraging wives to live in such a way that even if their husbands are not believers, their godly conduct will win them over. He uses Sarah as an example of her submission to Abraham, not as a model of blind obedience, but of a faith-filled life that brought honor to God. This advice is framed within a broader discussion on how believers should live with integrity and grace, especially in challenging relationships, to reflect Christ.
Peter is encouraging wives to live in such a way that even if their husbands are not believers, their godly conduct will win them over. He uses Sarah as an example of her submission to Abraham, not as a model of blind obedience, but of a faith-filled life that brought honor to God. This advice is framed within a broader discussion on how believers should live with integrity and grace, especially in challenging relationships, to reflect Christ.
"as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening." — Peter isn't just pointing to Sarah's obedience as a model, but specifically to her attitude of calling Abraham "lord." This wasn't just a formal title, but a way of showing profound respect and rec…
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Last reviewed October 2026