1 Peter 2:13-17

IV. DUTIES TOWARD OTHERS 2:133:12

1. Toward Civil Government 2:13-17

1 Peter 2:13-14 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well.

Expanded Translation

Be submissive to every ordinance (literally, creation) of man for the Lord's sake (that is, as a part of your service to Him): whether to the (Roman) King or emperor as the one who is supreme (in the civil realm), or unto (Roman provincial) governors as sent by him to punish those who practice evil (criminals) and to commend and praise those who live righteously.

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Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:

BE SUBJECThupotasso. Primarily a military term meaning to place or rank under (as when lower officers were placed under higher officers). Hence, subject, put in subjection, submit.

ORDINANCEktisis. In Greek writing, the act of founding, establishing, building, etc. In the New Testament, the act of creating, creation (Romans 1:20), then an institution, ordinance. The idea of the latter definition is apparently that laws, governments, etc., are created or formed by human minds, namely, the rulers of a nation or state.

Notice that we are to be in subjection to every ordinance of man, FOR THE LORD'S SAKE, That is, for the good of, or as a part of our obedience to, the Lord. We are to act in this manner as a part of our service to Christ. Compare Romans 13:4-5 and Ephesians 6:7.

whether to the king as supreme; or unto governors,

The specific reference here is to the Roman Emperor.
AS SUPREMEhupercho, literally indicates to hold above; hence, to stand out above. to be higher, superior. Compare Romans 13:1: Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers.

Of course, it is understood here that the things ordained by those in authority are not in themselves contrary to the laws of God as He has revealed them in His Word. Notice Acts 4:19; Acts 5:27-29, where we find the principle that God's laws are to be obeyed first, should they come in conflict with laws or ordinances of men.

The commandment of Peter is particularly significant when we realize that these Christians were under a heathen government, and a wicked emperor (Nero?), yet were to heed this exhortation!

GOVERNORShegemon, a guide; a leader; a chieftain, prince (Matthew 2:6); a Roman provincial governor, under whatever title. Such was Pilate (Matthew 27:1-66; Matthew 26:1-75; Matthew 25:1-46; Matthew 24:1-51; Matthew 23:1-39; Matthew 22:1-46; Matthew 21:1-46; Matthew 20:1-34; Matthew 19:1-30; Matthew 18:1-35; Matthew 17:1-27; Matthew 16:1-28; Matthew 15:1-39; Matthew 14:1-36; Matthew 13:1-58; Matthew 12:1-50; Matthew 11:1-30; Matthew 10:1-42; Matthew 9:1-38; Matthew 8:1-34; Matthew 7:1-29; Matthew 6:1-34; Matthew 5:1-48; Matthew 4:1-25; Matthew 3:1-17; Matthew 2:1-23).

Governors are sent for two reasons:
1. Vengeance on criminals. Ekdikesis, a revenging, vengeance, punishment, or the punishment by one. The word is from ek, meaning out of, and dike, meaning righteousness or justice. Hence, properly, the execution of right and justice,; and then the meting or giving out of justice to those who violate the laws of the land.

2. For praise to those who are well behaved. Epainos, epion or upon, plus ainospraise; hence, praise, commendation, approbation, applause.

1 Peter 2:15-16 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bond-servants of God.

Expanded Translation

Because this is the will and wish of God, that by doing good and living right you should reduce to silence the ignorant accusations and charges of foolish and inconsiderate men: as free and unbound by restraint, and yet not using your freedom as a veil over (i.e., means of hiding) evil, but living as God's slaves.

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that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men

PUT TO SILENCEphimoo, to close the mouth with a muzzle. Note 1 Corinthians 9:9: for it is written in the Law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Metaphorically, to stop the mouth, make speechless, reduce to silence. Here, the word modifies ignorance. Hence, put a muzzle on the ignorant charges of foolish men.

FOOLISHaphron. The word properly indicates without reason; hence, senseless, stupid, without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly. It is a stronger and more expressive word than would have been used if they had simply lacked information on a subject.

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness

FREEeleutheros means free, exempt, unrestrained. The question here is, free from what? Some would say the Mosaic Law, as in Galatians 4:26. Others say it is from the bondage of sin, as in John 8:36. It seems, from the context, that the last is the meaning in this passage.

CLOAKepikalummaa covering, veil. Metaphorically, a pretext, cloak. The covering here was used as a means of hiding or concealing one's sin. Their reasoning apparently was, Are we not free? We are not bound by any restraint.

Freedom from sin, or the law, might be used to justify one's wicked ways; perhaps here even the breaking of civil law. But though we are free from the bondage of sin (2 Peter 2:18-19, Romans 6:6) this does not mean we have no duties, responsibilities, or obligations toward God and man, Rather, we are to be bond-servants voluntarily, (See Romans 6:15-18; 1 Corinthians 9:21, 2 Corinthians 4:5.)

1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood, Fear God. Honor the king.

Expanded Translation

Treat every person as a person of value, one to be honored, Love the band of brothers, Fear, reverence, and venerate God, Value and honor the king.

Honor all men.

HONORthe word timao, means to estimate, fix the value, or price something; then, to have in honor, revere, venerate. The word is in the aorist imperative here, denoting a sharp, definite rule, to be adopted at once.

God tells us to venerate or hold in esteem all men. All men are God's creation or handiwork, made in His likeness, even though their lives may be sadly defaced and marred by sin. The honor would doubtless be shown in different ways to different people; but, in some sense, it is due all men. This is true even with regard to the worst harlot or backslider. Christians must learn to accept people (not their sin) where they are and strive to lead them from there to nobler things!

In the context here, Peter may have special reference to the Jews-' attitude toward the idolatrous Gentiles around them.

Love the brotherhood.

LOVEagapao. See notes on 1 Peter 1:22.

BROTHERHOODadelphotes, a band of brothers, i.e., of Christians. Peter is the only New Testament writer who employs this word and that only in this book. Compare 1 Peter 5:9.

Fear God.

Compare the use of fear (phobeo) in 1 Peter 2:18. The meaning here is: to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience. (Thayer). It is the fear, not so much of punishment, as of his disapprobation; not so much the dread of suffering as the dread of doing wrong.Barnes.

The fear of the Judgment Day and the agonies that follow in the punishment of the wicked, is cast out when a Christian is truly acting as he should toward God and his brother. See 1 John 4:17-18 where we are told perfect love casteth out fear. Fear of what? In that passage it is of the Judgment Day, and not of God. A Christian surely need not fear the Judgment Day, but we certainly should have a reverential fear and veneration for God. Hence, there is no contradiction between these two passages. We are to fear God, but as Christians, we have no fear of the Judgment. We are not terrorized or in dread of that day. Solomon is still right: the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7 a).

Honor the King.

(See 2 Peter 2:10-11.) How would this be done? It could be accomplished in a number of ways, but probably here he is particularly speaking of their obedience. (See 1 Peter 2:13-14.) Another way, we might add, for us to honor him is to pray for him (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Compare Romans 13:7 with this passage.