Render To Caesar 1 Peter 2:13-17

Render to Caesar And Render to God

Intro

Matthew 22:15–22 NKJV

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

People and Purpose

Jewish Christians

New Testament Survey Time and Place

were suffering for their faith (1:1, 5). The persecutions did not stem from the imperial government, but originated from the local populace in the form of verbal slander and social pressures (4:14–15). Quite possibly, they could have been ridiculed for their separated lives (4:4–5) and/or accused of being traitors (2:13–17). The church was also infected with some internal problems such as worldliness (2:11–16; 4:1–5) and greedy, autocratic elders (5:2–3).

Time and Place

Place

It is believed that Peter wrote this epistle from Rome. 1 Peter 5:13 says Babylon which is believed to be a reference to Rome.

The time frame is AD 63-65

Emperor was none other than Nero!

Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus

Known for burning parts of Rome and blaming it on the Christians.

Tried to commit incest with his mother

Lured citizens into feast that broke them financially.

Had two men castrated and turned to transexuals and married them.

Assinated his step brother

Killed many of his wives

Spent money recklessly on his Domus Aurea or Golden house.

Render to Caesar for the Lord’s Sake 1 Peter 2:13-14

1 Peter 2:13–14 NKJV

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

Ordinance: Ktesisei - an administrative unit of government; especially understood as something instituted or created by God.

king and supreme: basileius and hyperecho meaning chief and rank.

It doesn’t mean that this is going to achieve its goal every time but most of the time it does.

It is not our job to test the goodness but to be righteous.

Render to Caesar for the Sake of Ignorant Men 1 Peter 2:15-16

1 Peter 2:15–16 NKJV

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

WHY?

IT IS THE WILL OF GOD!

It is good to obey the government because it is good in the eyes of God,

It is good to obey the government because it will stop ignorant people from acting ignorant.

ignorance: a false understanding that has arisen out of ignorance (of the true situation or facts, ignoring the facts!); especially one that is being spread verbally!!

ignorance and foolishness are closely related!

It is good to obey the government because it shows our submission to God.

Galatians 5:13 NKJV

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Peter and Paul both use this terminology so that Christians do not do evil, sin, and take liberties to do what they want to because they are free from the law of man and God!

1 & 2 Peter and Jude Obey Those in Authority / 2:11–25

RESPONSIBLE FREEDOM

Christians have freedom in Christ, but the apostles defined freedom more narrowly than the normal use of the word in common language. Christians use freedom as a tool for a life of exuberant service. It’s the foundation that God gives to us to reach our highest potential. Because God gives us freedom from religious rules and eternal guilt, we must not seek to indulge our own desires; instead, we should reach for the best God has for us.

Don’t be fooled if someone tries to sell you other versions of freedom like:

• You’re free, party on!

• Freedom! Let’s get stoned!

• No more rules! Let’s pick up some babes and …

Such “freedom” becomes a fast track to the prison of guilt and brokenness. Let your freedom sing of power, joy, and love—accountable to God, devoted to others.

Render to Caesar for the Sake of Rational People 1 Peter 2:17

1 Peter 2:17 NKJV

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Honor ALL people

LOVE THE BROTHERHOOD

FEAR GOD!

Honor the KING!

Proverbs 24:31 NKJV

And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.