John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 3:2

"beholding your chaste behavior [coupled] with fear." — 1 Peter 3:2 (ASV)

He proceeds now to another instance of subjection, and instructs wives to be subject to their husbands. And as those who were united to unbelieving men seemed to have some excuse for shaking off the yoke, he expressly reminds them of their duty. He brings forward a particular reason why they should obey more carefully: that they might by their integrity draw their husbands to the faith. But if wives should obey ungodly husbands, they should obey with much more readiness those who have believing husbands.

But it may seem strange that Peter should say that a husband might be gained to the Lord without the word; for why does it say, faith cometh by hearing? (Romans 10:17). To this I reply, that Peter’s words are not to be understood as if a holy life alone could lead the unbelieving to Christ. Instead, it softens and pacifies their minds, so that they might have less aversion to religion. For just as bad examples create offenses, so good ones are a great help. Then Peter shows that wives, by a holy and pious life, could contribute significantly to preparing their husbands to embrace the faith of Christ, without speaking to them on religion.

While they behold. For minds, however alienated from the true faith, are softened when they see the good conduct of believers. For since they do not understand the doctrine of Christ, they form an opinion of it based on our lives. Consequently, they cannot help but commend Christianity, which teaches purity and fear.