Read 1 Peter 2:13-17; Mt. 17:24-27, Government

In 2:11-12 Peter turned the corner from teaching to the application of that teaching to the lives of believers.  In the following paragraphs (esp. 2:13-3:12) there is a critical term: submission.  What is submission?  The Greek word was initially a military term meaning to subject oneself, place oneself under authority and submit to their control.  In the non-military setting it involves a voluntary attitude of cooperating, carrying another’s burden.  Submission a powerful mark in the believer’s life.  It is positive, involving a desire to see those in authority succeed in their God-given roles.

Submission is the will of God (v15).  For Christians it always was done as to the Lord.  Note this in this chart of societal relationships that call for submission.

RELATIONSHIP	PASSAGE	AS TO THE LORD	ILLUSTRATION
Gov’t/Citizen	1 Pt 2:13-17	Rom. 13:2	Jn. 19:10-11
Husband/Wife	1 Pt. 3:1-6	Eph. 5:22	Titus 2:4-5
Master/Slave	1 Pt. 2:18ff	Eph. 6:7-8	Philemon
Parent/Child	Eph. 6:1-3	Eph. 6:1	Lk. 2:5
Church/Christian	1 Pt. 5:5	Eph. 5:21	Ac. 4:32-37

Today’s passage is amazing given two historical situations.  First, the governing authority is Rome, a vile and corrupt government.  Second is the brewing rebellion in Israel.  It is the times of the Gentiles and the Jews chafed under Gentile rule, not following the likes of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and others in earlier days.

The basic command is in v13: submit yourselves to every ordinance of man.  The Greek ktisis is a creation word, referring to institutions created by men for governance.  There are many of these, as we know.  Today it involves law enforcement, public education, management of lands, issuing of permits for many actions we may want to take, and so forth.  Some, like the king as supreme are far away in the capital; some closer as governors and those … sent by him. 

There are two important reasons for us to submit in these situations.  One is that it fulfills the purpose of government which is the punishment of evildoers and … praise of those who do good (see Rom. 13:1-7 for a larger discussion of this).  Second is that it serves the purpose of God (v15-16).  God’s purpose, as we have seen, is that Gentiles come to glorify Him.  Our honorable conduct is a light in their darkness. 

Given that Peter is writing these words by the Spirit, v16 is quite interesting.  Peter says we should live as free, yet as bondservants of God.  This should call to mind the day Jesus reminded Peter that the sons are free and not liable for the temple tax. Yet, Jesus said, lest we offend them we will pay the tax.  The big questions are not what is legal, constitutional or fair.  The question is what furthers God’s purposes.

Peter concludes that we are to honor all men, including the king (president?) regardless of our politics or preferences.  We love the brothers, the Church.  We fear God, making obedience to Him supreme.  What a valuable passage for us today.