Submission to Civil Authority
Peter calls for submission to government authorities. Is that submission for everything? Is there a time when we're not to submit? Join Pastor Steve as he addresses these and many more questions from 1 Peter 2:13-17.
This command introduces the theme of voluntary submission and obedience to those in authority
The next five verses deal with the Christian’s relation toward government.
Submission does not imply inequality, for Jesus is described by this term.
God has created all the foundations of human society—work, family, and the government.
Although they are not ultimately under human authority, God still expects believers to submit to the human institutions He ordained. He wants them to demonstrate godly character qualities (cf. 2 Peter 1:5–7) and a genuine concern for society—a concern that seeks peace (3:11; cf. Ps. 34:14; Matt. 5:9; Rom. 14:19; James 3:18) and desires to prevent trouble and crime (cf. Rom. 12:14–21). To that end Christians will obey all laws and respect all authority, unless called upon to do something God forbids or not do something He commands (Acts 4:19; 5:27–29).
Chiefly the Roman emperor, at this time Nero (A.D. 54–68)
Nero, (37–68), the fifth Roman Caesar, ascended to the throne in 54.
The personal unworthiness of the office holder does not cancel the duty of obedience to the office.
The word rendered silence (phimoun) means “to restrain, muzzle, or make speechless” (cf. Matt. 22:12, 34; Mark 1:25; 4:39; Luke 4:35). It denotes the gagging or stopping of someone’s mouth so as to render that person incapable of response.
One of the best ways of meeting the accusations of our enemies is to lead a life of strict integrity. It is not easy for the wicked to reply to this argument.
Their ignorance, which gives rise to unfounded charges against Christians, is essentially characteristic of such foolish individuals.
Christians and the Christian faith are ceaselessly bombarded by the ignorance of foolish men. It may be in the university classroom; it may be in the science laboratory; it may be in the pulpit. Peter says that one of the best answers to such blasting is a holy life.
Covering indicates placing a mask or veil over something; evil (kakias) is a term that means “baseness” and arises from vengeance, bitterness, hostility, and disobedience (Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Prov. 6:14; Isa. 13:11; Matt. 12:35; 15:19; John 3:19–20; 7:7; Rom. 1:29–30; Gal. 1:4).
Their freedom has delivered them from the bondage of serving sin into the privilege of being slaves of righteousness.
Christian freedom rests not on escape from service but on a change of masters
Freedom in Christ and citizenship in the kingdom of God in no way permit believers to abuse or disregard the standards of conduct God has established for them on earth.
Highly esteem is the idea, and it refers not just to obedient duty but inner respect.
We are to love all men, but we are especially obligated to love the members of our spiritual family. This is a love like God’s love for us. It is utterly undeserved, it goes out to the loveless, it looks for no reward, and it is stronger than death.
The word fear, when used to express our duty to God, means that we are to reverence and honour him.