1 Peter 2:13-20 (NASB 1995)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God
Verse 17 teaches the Christian’s submission to higher powers. The same is taught in Romans, and Timothy. The objection arises when those who rule over us are tyrannical, oppressive and ungodly. Political, social, domestic and national evils existed in the days when these words were written. These words cannot be construed as the Bible favoring kingship, tyranny or oppression. — Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D.
What Peter was telling believers is that Christians suffer because of being Christian and not because they are lawbreakers.
Historically, atheists were the ruling powers at the time Peter wrote these words. The Roman Senate, says Voltaire, was composed of theoretical or practical atheists, i.e., believing neither in providence nor in a future state. The Roman Senate was an assembly of philosophers, men of pleasure and ambition, men who were dangerous and who would eventually ruin their empire. Does that sound familiar?
Today, with all the social ills, lax morality, lawlessness, barbarism, intolerance of religious beliefs, what is your position with Peter’s words? When pondering this question refer to Romans 13:1-7 and Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Timothy 2:1,2.
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