Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 2:13

St Peter now turns to the duties of Christians in the various social relations of life. He has shewn that this world is not their home and that they must not adopt the fashion of this world as their standard. But this does not imply disorder or anarchy. The necessary bonds of society are not to be destroyed but rather fulfilled. This world, though not man’s home, is his school, and its institutions are appointed by God. The state, the household, the family are all intended to be pictures of the kingdom, household and family of God. In loyal obedience to the Emperor and governors, in faithful service to earthly masters, in loving submission to family ties men may learn their true relation to God.

13. πάσῃ�. This might mean every institution created or ordained by men, so A.V. and R.V. “Every ordinance of man,” and in classical Greek κτίσις is more frequently ascribed to men than to God. But in the LXX. and N.T. κτίζειν and words derived from it are exclusively applied to God’s work. So in Romans St Paul describes “the powers that be” (kings, magistrates, etc.) as “ordained of God,” and here St Peter regards the fundamental institutions of human society, the state, the household, the family as part of God’s plan for the organization of mankind. The words may therefore be translated “every (divine) institution among men.”

διὰ τὸν κύριον for Christ’s sake, imitating His loyal submission to authority.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 2:13

Old Testament

New Testament