1 Peter 2:13-15
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
In context, Christians were at the risk of being wrongly prosecuted and executed by the Roman authority. But still, Peter calls for submission. Christian are never called to rebel against the state or the government. Christians are peaceable people. Christians also recognizes the establishment of human authorities by God Himself. For the sake of the Lord (to honor his name, Amplified), God commands us to submit under the King’s rule.
Now, that phrase, “to honor his name,” plays a significant role in deciding whether we obey the laws of the land. The paramount question to ask ourselves in the moment of obedience/disobedience is, “Does this act honor the name of Jesus Christ?”
The role of the government official is cited here: to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right (v. 14). The government servants merely follow the order of the land to keep the land under control. They see that no disturbance and violence occur because of the clashes between people with different belief systems and ideologies. In short, they are the guardian of the law.
Why did Peter call for submission to the authorities? Verse 15 gives the answer, it is God’s will that by their submission to the Law of the land, the concocted criticisms against Christians may be silenced. God wills that all issues be resolved by good deeds and never through violence. It is more important to let our action do the talking rather than vice-versa. In doing so, many wrong speeches against Christians can be muzzled.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, May I never put your holy name to shame. Guard my steps from sinning against you and your holy name. In Christ name, amen.
