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1 Peter 3:7 – Weaker Vessel
Weaker Vessel (1 Peter 3:7)
When reading the Bible, women are AS (important word) the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7). This means women are not literally a weaker vessel, but rather men are to treat them AS a weaker vessel, something delicate, precious, and needing protection.
Men must be careful not to impose upon the text a meaning unintended. I think contextually that is referring to a wife’s position not a woman’s personality. Submission is the more delicate position whether as a woman or within government. Jesus shows this in His example, wherein being in the weaker position gave strength to those in need. All this is seen in the previous connections in the text:
A – GENERAL – 2:11-12
B – RULE – GOVERNMENT – 2:13-17
C – SUBJECT – HOUSESLAVES – 2:18-20
D – EXAMPLE – CHRIST – 2:21-25
C’ – SUBJECT – WIVES – 3:1-6
B’ – RULE – HUSBANDS – 3:7
A’ – GENERAL – 3:8-12
While women are the “weaker vessel” positionally, I am inclined to think men are the “weaker sex” personally; a term ironically and commonly used to describe women.
An example of men’s weakness is when men act as if women are the “weaker sex”, and then they often foster domination in a dangerous way. Again ironically, this proves they are the weaker sex. Weakness, covered up by ego, is disguised as domineering.
How are men weaker by comparison? I have concluded men are weaker; not physically, mentally, or even emotionally, but spiritually. Too often this is seen anecdotally. Think along these lines, both negatively and positively. Which of the following is the least common?
1. Spiritually weak women following weak but domineering men?
2. Spiritually weak men following domineering women?
3. Spiritually strong men making their weak wives stronger?
4. Spiritually strong women making their men stronger?
Three of the four are too common. The least common in my experience is spiritually strong men making their weak wives stronger. From a positive perspective, I have witnessed many strong women making their men stronger. Even when strong female Christians marry male non-Christians, they are more likely convert their husbands than vice versa. Again, anecdotal.
Even Biblically, the pattern appears to be weak men to often following spiritually weak women. Adam followed Eve. Samson gave in to Delilah. Solomon followed way too many. Jezebel led Ahab. So many men nowadays follow their women instead of leading, especially when male Christians marry a female non-Christian. Women were created to be helpers. That includes childbirth contextually, but is part of the need of men their own weakness which is God’s plan to humble the male ego?
Men, remember that women put themselves in a delicate position – under your protection. Women, here is a plea to you – help your husbands be the leaders they are designed to be. If you are seeing a self-contradiction here, that the weaker is to lead, call it a divine paradox, God’s upside-down way. Isn’t it God’s way to turn weaknesses into strength according to Paul’s thorn in the flesh? Don’t we overcome evil with compassion according to Romans 12? How about turning the other cheek? God didn’t design male leadership because men were stronger, but because we are weaker, made stronger by our helpers.
With God’s design of marriage and motherhood, can men be better equipped to not follow their own weakness. First, men must acknowledge the need for help. Second, men must allow godly women to help. So men, choose a marriage partner well by not following even weaker women. Plus, realize all strength ultimately comes from God, which includes God’s ways. This is true when God’s ways don’t seem to make sense in a world that twists everything, including having the weaker person – man – be made stronger by the weaker vessel – women – to spiritually lead the already spiritually strong. This leads to the woman’s need for security and the man’s need for respect. Being in a position as a weaker vessel is exactly the position Jesus put Himself in to save mankind.
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