GODLY LIVING IN A PAGAN SOCIETY. 1st Peter 2:13-3:7 The way Christians behave in a community is of great importance to those who watch us day to day. Christian attributes are not always admired in the "me-first" society in which we live. To most people, being submissive, meek, and humble is a sign of weakness. These qualities may seem, at first glance, foolish to those who are determined to "stand up for my rights." To those who recognize they are under the supreme authority of our Lord, the reason He has ordained civil authority becomes clear. There has to be a form of rule and authority to maintain an orderly structure in any society.
In this section of the epistle, Peter focuses on the outward behavior of believers who live differently from those who “love the world and the things that are in the world.” One of the most obvious things people can see is how we respond to civil authority. When we say we are going to heaven and are citizens of the kingdom of God, that does not excuse us from obeying the government of the country where we temporarily live.
Whether those in authority are believers or not, “The powers that be are ordained of God.” Recognizing properly constituted authority, regardless of their political, economic, and cultural preferences, is our responsibility. Governments are necessary for the greatest good of the greatest number of people. Without them, there would be chaos and mayhem everywhere. The ultimate authority over all people is God, who uses human institutions suited to the people and the place where they live.
When Peter wrote this letter, the Roman Empire was under the leadership of Nero, who was notoriously cruel. However, without leaders, even dictators, kings, or tyrants, people could not survive the uncontrolled evil of morally and spiritually bankrupt human sinners. People without any authority over them either have to live alone or fight to survive like dangerous animals. Human nature is not like that of animals, because animals fight to protect what is theirs, whereas sinful human nature, because of our ability to reason and have freewill, wants what others have in order to satisfy our soul-damning pride.
Christians cannot compromise God’s word, their own consciences, or righteous living to accommodate repressive governments. “We ought to obey God rather than man.” We are to be cooperative as far as our new nature and consciences allow, “For the Lord’s sake.” Any opposition or persecution should stem from obedience to God and not violate moral, spiritual, or civil laws.