By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

In this series so far we have learned that Peter wrote this letter to followers of Christ who were scattered in the area of Asia Minor, what is now modern-day Turkey. His main emphasis in this letter was to remind Christians of the hope they have in God because of the gracious salvation provided for them in Jesus Christ as well as how the gift of the Holy Spirit within them works to lead them in sanctification. We continue now to learn even more about this wonderful salvation that God blesses His children with and how we are to live as Christ and love one another. Part of loving one another in Christ is learning how to submit to each other in the Lord. Peter in the next few verses covers several examples where submission is necessary and displays before others, a Christ-like character and behavior.

 

1 Peter 2:13-14

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”

 

Peter begins talking about submission in verse 13 and uses the Greek word “hupotagete” which literally means to “order under” someone. This is a military term describing voluntary obedience to the commands of another. It implies a conscious, willing subjection to anyone in authority over us. This theme of submission runs through Peter’s letter. All of us as Christians must submit to human governments (2:13-14), servants (employees) to employers (2:18), wives to husbands (3:1), and young men to their elders (5:5). This communicates to us that every aspect of life is to be conducted with order, not disarray or confusion. Peter is urging us as followers of Christ to obey the secular authorities which in our case are the federal, state and local governments. This command can be difficult for us at times because sometimes, if not often, we did not vote for the person in charge or do not agree with a law that was passed.  Paul also addresses this issue in his letter to the Romans;

 

Romans 13:1-7

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

 

Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees regarding submitting to the laws regarding paying Roman taxes. His reply was, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21}

 

It appears to be clear according to Peter, Paul and Jesus, that when it comes to ruling authorities, Christians should seek to obey the law of the land and those who rule it because God, being sovereign over all, has placed these in this authority over us. But we do not obey presidents and kings as if they were “sovereign” as God is. Theologian Charles Hodge gives us some insights on this topic; “All authority is of God. No man has any rightful power over other men, which is not derived from God. All human power is delegated and ministerial. This is true of parents, of magistrates, and of church officers… The extent of this obedience is to be determined from the nature of the case. When Paul commands wives to obey their husbands, they are required to obey them as husbands, not as masters, nor as kings; children are to obey their parents as parents, not as sovereigns; and so in every other case. This passage, therefore, affords a very slight foundation for the doctrine of passive obedience.”

 

In other words we are to obey the civil authorities and their laws because God has placed them in such a position, but there are times when such authorities overstep their delegated rule or violate the laws of God that we may choose to resist their rule. But such action should always be done with caution and use of godly wisdom. The American Revolution is an example of a deeply devout people rebelling against a government authority (Great Britain) when without representation undue burdens were put upon them resulting in the American independence movement. Rev. Simeon Howard pastor of a Boston congregation before and during the revolutionary war addressed this issue of whether to submit to British Rule or take up arms in a sermon. He illustrated his stand by referencing Pilate’s trial of Jesus. Jesus was accused of trying to establish a “temporal kingdom” against the Roman Empire. Jesus’ reply to Pilate was, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm” (John 18:36). Rev. Howard stated in regards to Jesus comments that, “Our Lord here, plainly allows that it is fit and proper for temporal kingdoms to fight in defence of their liberty,” Another pastor of this time period by the name of David Jones also commented in a sermon on the justification of colonial Americans taking up arms against the British. He stated in a sermon, “The reason why a defensive war seems so awful to good people is, they esteem it to be some kind of murder: but this is a very great mistake; for it is no more murder than a legal process against a criminal…every reasonable method of reconciliation to our king have been treated with neglect and contempt,” Pastor Jones illustrated for his fellow Christians that there are times when followers of Christ may need to take up arms against an unjust government when all other means of political and peace keeping efforts have been tried. Such actions should always be the last resort when normal means have been exhausted and ignored.

 

Therefore we are always to seek to pray for, (1 Timothy 2:2), and submit to, those in authority over us whenever possible. This is a godly calling we have as followers of Christ. Because we live in a democracy in American and not a Roman authoritarian state, our responsibility as followers of Christ is to co-operate with our government helping elect good, wise, responsible and honest men and women who can represent us. We are to desire to be involved in all levels of government seeking to serve each other and our nation. In this manner we become part of God’s ordained plan of submitting to a government that is ruled by the people and for the people.

 

Christians in foreign lands who live under authoritarian and possibly even oppressive governments have different decisions to make. They cannot violate scripture and deny Christ because their government makes such commitments illegal. They cannot endorse sinful laws that go against God’s written Word. Therefore in passive ways, whenever possible, they must seek to obey God’s sovereign laws while, as best they can, submit to their government. It is a difficult position to be in, much like Christians during the early centuries of the growth of the Christian church. 1 and 2 Peter were written right before a horrible persecution was to fall upon all Christians living in the Roman Empire. Peter here is encouraging them to obey the authorities whenever possible and prepare themselves for even more strenuous trials yet to come.

 

One last example of how to respond to an ungodly request of a governing authority is found in Acts. The apostles were brought before the Council of the Sanhedrin because they continued preaching about Jesus when they were told not to do so.

 

Acts 5:28-29

“‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

 

We must at times obey God instead of men when those in authority ask us to do things against God’s will. It is sometimes an easy decision and sometimes most difficult. Our actions must always be bathed in prayer, built upon the foundation of God’s Word and empowered by the influence of the Holy Spirit. When we act responsibly in a godly fashion our godly integrity is seen before men and is a witness of God in our lives. Such responsible behavior leads us to the next verse.

 

1 Peter 2:15

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”

 

Peter tells us the result of us being submissive whenever possible to the laws of our government, paying taxes, obeying laws and praying for our leaders, results in a reputation of honor and goodness. This silences the criticism non-believers have of us as followers of Christ. The Greek word for silence here is “phimoo” and means “to close a mouth with a muzzle.”

 

This descriptive word is used by Peter to illustrate that when those who speak against Christians are confronted with their godly behavior, Christ-like love, responsible actions and compassionate care, they can’t say a thing, as if they had a muzzle put over their mouth. Peter also describes the origin of criticism that comes from such people. It originates from their ignorance concerning spiritual things. From this ignorance comes an expression of foolishness which is a reflection of their lack of reason and spiritual intelligence. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and silenced the Sadducees in such a manner with his spiritually intelligent replies and godly behavior.

 

Peter continues with his spiritual instruction on submission and holy living.

 

1 Peter 2:16-17

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

 

He instructs for us to live as free men, which is in regards to the freedom we have in Christ. We are free from sin and the penalty of it. We live by grace and mercy, not the burden of the law. But while we are no longer slaves to the law, we seek to obey it because we love our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:3, 3:22,24, 5:2,3, 2 John 6). This freedom in Christ should not be used as a cover for sin. In other words we are not to portray we are godly when actually we are addicted to sinful acts. Our talk needs to be in accordance to our walk. Our outward actions should reflect our inward commitment to God and His commandments. We should respect all people, love our brothers and sisters in Christ, fearfully respect God, and honor those in authority over us. Charles Swindoll’s instructions on this passage are that we should 1. Live a clean life, 2. Leave no room for criticism from non-believers, 3. Do good deeds among all people, not just Christians and 4. Never forget that we are constantly being watched concerning the quality of our walk with God!

 

For your own study and application look up Romans 12:1-2, 14:12, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. How would you apply these to your own life?