In this passage, Peter addresses the challenging concept of submission to authority, urging believers to submit to all lawful civil authority for the Lord's sake. Although submission may seem countercultural to our society that values freedom and independence, our submission is not merely to human authorities; it is an expression of our faith in God's sovereignty. Peter also provides four pillars of Christian conduct: honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king. While submission to the governing authorities has limits – especially when we are called to obey God rather than men – we as Christians are called to be witnesses to the Gospel through our integrity and peaceful submission. Jesus Himself exemplified this, submitting to human authorities even unto death, which ultimately accomplished our salvation. By following His example of submission, we trust in God's higher plan and bring glory to His name in a watching world. |
