"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17)
Throughout our study in 1st Peter, we have noticed that as "pilgrims" , those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities. For example, in our previous study we saw that as "pilgrims and sojourners" we are to have our conduct honorable among those with whom we live. But what about our responsibilities to those governments of men under which we live? When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any responsibilities to the countries on earth?
Peter addresses this very question in 1 Pe 2:13-17... The pilgrims' resposibility is but one word: Submit! (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.” We are to submit "to every ordinance of man". The word "submit" means "be subject to," signifying "to place one's self under subjection; to render one's self subordinate". This will not be the only time in this epistle that Christians will be told to be submissive - se for example, 1 Pe 2:18; 3:1; 5:5. In this case, we are told to submit "to every ordinance of man". The word "ordinance" literally means "a creation": The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the appointment of officers as the "creation" of them. Therefore, the expression "ordinance" actually refers not to a particular law passed by government, but to the civil government or institution itself. See the NASV, "to every human institution". Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state. The responsibility of pilgrims is still the same: submit!
The apostle Paul taught the same principle. We are to be subject to the governing authorities ("higher powers", KJV) - Ro 13:1 “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.” We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials - Ro 13:5-7 “Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Our responsibility as pilgrims to the governments of men under which we live is quite simple: submit to them.
But submission is not always an easy thing to do. What reasons do Peter and Paul give that might motivate us to submit to our governments as we should? Looking closely at verses 15-17 of our text we will find the reasons why we must submit. Peter gives two good reasons. First and foremost, "this is the will of God" - 1 Pe 2:15a; see also, "for the Lord's sake" - 1 Pe 2:13. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God. But Peter does go on to explain why this is the Lord's will. That we may "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" - 1 Pe 2:15b “that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”. Because of their allegiance to a heavenly King, Christians are often falsely accused of sedition or treason - for example, Ac 17:5-8 “But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people. And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.” By doing good (for example, submitting to the governing authorities), we can "silence" (lit., muzzle) such ignorant charges.
Paul also gives us another good reason. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God! - Ro 13:1 “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.” This truth is also emphasized in the book of Daniel - Dan 2:20-21 “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are his. And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;”; 4:17 “The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men.”, 25 “that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”, 32 “and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine purposes and then replaces - Exo 9:16 “but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Egypt); Isa 10:5-12 (Assyria). This being the case, to resist the government means to resist God Himself! - Ro 13:2-4 “Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.”
So lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, let God's "pilgrims" freely submit to the powers ruling over them. In so doing, we will also silence those who might falsely accuse us of wrong-doing. But is the principle of submission to government without exception? Is there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey governmental authorities? We will look into the answers to these questions when we continue our lesson in Part 2.
