1 Peter 2:13–17

Context

First Peter is a letter addressed to the "strangers scattered" (1 Peter 1:1) throughout various regions of Asia Minor. It has traditionally been accepted as the work of the apostle Peter, though some scholars attribute it to a different author. In 2:11–12 the author urges readers to live honorably among the Gentiles so that even those who slander them may glorify God. He then illustrates this conduct by addressing three relationships: the attitude toward rulers (vv. 13–17), servants and masters (vv. 18ff.), and wives and husbands (ch. 3). This passage is the first of these sections. "The king" refers to the Roman emperor, and "governors" (officials who administered the regions) refers to the governors sent by the emperor.

Interpretation

• The ground of submission: The reason for submission lies not in the rulers themselves but in the phrase "for the Lord's sake." For this reason, many denominations widely share the view that submission is one expression of loyalty to the Lord.
• Submission as witness: Verse 15 says that well-doing puts to silence "the ignorance of foolish men." Commentators read this as an exhortation to a minority community, living amid misunderstanding and slander, to conduct itself rightly.
• Freedom and servanthood: According to verse 16, Christians are free. Yet that freedom is not a pretext for license but a freedom to live "as the servants of God."
• The distinction in verse 17: "Honour" is applied both to all people and to the king, but "fear" (reverence) is applied to God alone. On the basis of this difference, some interpreters hold that the king is to be respected but not worshiped. This interpretation links the passage to the early church's refusal to take part in emperor worship.

Debates and Issues

• Translation: The Greek word rendered "institution" in verse 13 is, literally, closer to "human creature." The Korean Revised Version translates it as "institution." Some scholars read the verse as a call to submit "to every person."
• The limits of submission: A long-standing question is what Christians should do when rulers issue commands contrary to the will of God.
• In the final chapter of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin taught obedience to rulers. At the same time, he held that such obedience cannot override obedience to God, citing Acts 5:29.
• The Anabaptist tradition recognizes state authority as an order established by God but has been reluctant to have Christians hold offices that involve the use of force.
• The experience of the Korean church: In connection with the Shinto shrine worship controversy under Japanese colonial rule and the relationship between church and politics under the military governments, how far passages calling for submission to state authority should be applied became a practical point of contention.

In the Korean Church

The passage is cited together with Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2:1–2 in sermons that encourage prayer for the nation and its leaders or that address the civic life of Christians. The four exhortations of verse 17 are often presented as a summary of the believer's attitude toward society.

Related Passages

• Romans 13:1–7
• Titus 3:1
• Acts 5:29
• Mark 12:13–17
• 1 Peter 2:11–12