If looked at in context of the reference to Jesus, being like this for our benefit, that we would be saved:

I Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

That, possibly, when Peter addressed the wives of men that were not saved yet, it was still in that same context:

I Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

  2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

  3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Because, it starts with the word, "Likewise", so is that comparing it to like Jesus did?

So, then, lines 3 and 4 are not a fashion statement by Peter, but within the same context, of wanting to see their lost husbands saved.

Seeing him get saved is of much greater value than being all decked out, or even looking like his trophy wife.

Jesus, didn't dress as royalty in his earthly ministry, nor was how he looked a major concern of his:

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

I think that Peter was NOT trying to tell all Christian women that they shouldn't braid their hair.

But, I think that he was trying to encourage the Christian women that had husbands that were not saved yet,

to not overly concern themselves with those things, compared to living a godly life in front of of their husbands.

Then still in context of how Jesus was in 2:22-23, and the wives of lost husbands, he similarly addressed the husbands (also, apparently, of lost wives):

I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Because, it starts with the word, "Likewise", like 3:1 did.

So, is he addressing the men likewise, i.e. being married to unsaved spouses?

If so, then when he said, "giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel", it would be in that context.

So, that Peter wasn't making a general statement, that all wives are necessarily weaker vessels, but the unsaved wife should be considered such.

Because the goal is for her to be saved.

The saved husband in that case ought to be far more gracious and tender to his wife, than the rest of us schmoes are with our wives.

If he is a pushy, selfish, domineering husband, that is certainly not going to endear her to Jesus.

Does this sound legit, or am I way off on another planet, somewhere?

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