Tag Archive | 1 Peter 2:11-12

Modest Apparel

Women are to dress modestly.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest (NT: 2887 kosmios (kos’-mee-os); from NT: 2889 (in its primary sense); orderly, i.e. decorous: KJV – of good behaviour, modest) apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

  • Women are to adorn themselves (attract others), but not with the outward appearance.
  • Women are to attract men with good works and soberness.

Our honesty shows itself in good works.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).

The elder must show himself to be orderly (modest) before men. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour (2887), given to hospitality, apt to teach;” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The elder’s modesty must be seen by the world. “Moreover he must have a good (2570) report (3141 – witness) of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:7).

We should consider what is acceptable in both God’s and man’s sight. “Providing for honest (NT:2570 kalos (kal-os’); of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from NT:18, which is properly intrinsic) things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).

Some Christians judge like the world. “For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart” (2 Corinthians 5:12).

We must consider every man, not just God’s children. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (2570) in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).

The world is blind to true goodness, so, for the world’s sake, we should provide things beautiful in the sight of all men. All men includes God’s children who do not need to be encouraged to lust. Anything that would cause any man to sin cannot be beautiful in the sight of God or all men. “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust (NT: 1937 epithumeo (ep-ee-thoo-meh’-o); from NT: 1909 and NT: 2372; to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise)) after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:28).

We should not tempt a man with outward beauty. “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:25).

What was Jesus’ clothing?

  • And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe (NT: 5511 chlamus (khlam-ooce’); of uncertain derivation; a military cloak: NT: 2440 himation (him-at’-ee-on); neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer) Why scarlet on a military coat?) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him (Matthew 27:28-31).
  • And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe (2440), And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe (2440). And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! (John 19:2-5).

Note that Jesus had more than one piece of clothing.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments (2440), and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat (5509): now the coat (5509) was without seam, woven from the top throughout (John 19:23). NT: 5509 chiton (khee-tone’); of foreign origin [OT: 3801]; a tunic or shirt:

Jesus’ robe may have been long, but that is not specifically stated in scripture. Perhaps we assume it was because of the style of the Greek and Roman clothing of the day.

tu·nic

  1. Chiefly British. a coat worn as part of a military or other uniform.
  2. a gown-like outer garment, with or without sleeves and sometimes belted, worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
  3. a woman’s upper garment, either loose or close-fitting and extending over the skirt to the hips or below.

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment (2440) among them, and for my vesture (NT: 2441 himatismos (him-at-is-mos’); from NT: 2439; clothing) they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did (John 19:24).

The High priest may have had a long robe, but did the ordinary people? Who knows what Peter wore?

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat (NT: 1903 ependutes (ep-en-doo’-tace); from NT: 1902; a wrapper, i.e. outer garment) unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea (John 21:7).

—Beth Johnson, Bible Studies for Women: Muliebral StudiesMuliebral ViewpointArticles and Books by Beth Johnson