13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
The preceding verses signaled a shift from Peter’s description of who believers are and what they have in Christ to how they are to live as Christ’s people. Verses 13-17 will introduce one of the major sub-themes of Peter’s letter - submission to authority.
Peter instructs believers to be subject to every human institution. In other words, in every situation where believers find themselves under the authority of someone else, whether as citizens, servants (employees), wives, or church members, believers honor Christ by submitting to authority - provided of course that submission to that authority does not conflict with the revealed will of God.
We do this so that ignorant and foolish people will be put to shame by our doing good. From the earliest days of the church until today the unbelieving world has spoken evil of the church. The early church was accused of incest, cannibalism, and holding orgies among other accusations. Our responsibility as Christians isn’t to defend ourselves against such accusations with words alone, but to live in such a way that the accusations make the accuser appear foolish. We use our freedom in Christ to separate ourselves from evil, not live in evil and cover up evil.
We are to honor all people, love those in the church, fear God, and honor the emperor (government leaders).
Here are today’s questions for consideration:
Would you say that your life is characterized by obedience to authority?
Why is obedience to authority, even secular authorities, expected of Christians? How did Jesus demonstrate obedience to authority during his earthly ministry?
What are some of the accusations the unbelieving world makes against Christians today? Do you think those accusations are deserved or not? How can we put to silence the ignorance of foolish people in this day?
Why does Peter say to use our freedom to live as servants of God? Is that a contradiction?
Why does Peter say to use our freedom to live as servants of God? Is that a contradiction?
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