1 Peter 2:13-17 - The believers’ behavior in society

Peter shows us what exemplary life is all about and how it would silence the critics in verses 11-12. The kind of lifestyle Peter talked about must affect every facet of life. In both the society and home; whether with people in authority or commoners; slaves or masters; husbands or wives, believers must know how to relate with each other. So in verses 13-17, he patiently explained how believers ought to conduct their lives regarding civil authority. In dealing with people within the society, Peter first called on believers to relate rightly with those in authority. He said that believers must submit to all in authority. In writing this in the imperative mood, Peter did not give his readers any option. This was a command to adhere to.

He knew that submission must first begin with the attitude. So here he urged believers to have an attitude of submission to all in governmental authority. For these authorities, he said, were appointed by God to ensure orderliness within a society. Governmental authority is seen here to have a two-fold task: to punish those who do wrong and reward those who do right.

The basis why believers should submit is stated in verse 13 as well. The phrase “for the Lord’s sake” speaks clearly what Peter meant. By responding rightly to civil authority, a believer would be honoring God. The issue here should not be whether the person to be shown respect is worthy of it or not, but that in so doing, one is actually submitting to God’s will.

Furthermore, verse 15 tells us that in being obedient to the law of the civil institution, believers would demolish unnecessary criticism. In verse 16, Peter told believers that freedom received through Christ should not be used as an excuse to do evil. Instead, this freedom should enable them to witness for God so as to advance His purpose.

Peter then rounded up in verse 17 by summarizing the believers’ obligation to the society. He gave four injunctions in two pairs. The first pair called for respect to be shown to everyone but love must be given to fellow believers. The second pair exhorted believers to fear God but honor must be given to the king. Peter probably had to include this because the Emperor Nero, the cruel emperor, was on the throne at that point in time.

When we begin to see all issues in perspective, we know how we ought to live when it comes to our relationship with the government. God has placed them over us, hence as we submit to them, we are indirectly submitting to God and honor His name. And in so doing, we will have a civil society. Praise the Lord!