May 30
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SILENCING THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. – 1 Peter 2:13-17
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In this letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of submission to every human institution. He wants all believers to set an example of obedience to authority, whether they are political, social, spiritual or civil leaders. Paul also reiterates the importance of submitting to authority in Romans 13:1-2 when he said in this letter to the believers: “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.”
It is sad to watch many people, including some believers who always have something to say negative about authorities or who defiantly disobey the laws set out by these rulers or leaders. Maybe if believers will strictly follow this command stated both by Peter and Paul, we could put a stop to those who just want to rebel and to criticize authority or state their opinion about what they assume needs to be done.
In verse 15, Peter explains why we need to submit to authority. This reminds me of Old Testament verse in Isaiah 53:7 that says Like a sheep being led to the slaughter or a lamb that is silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth”. The prophecy was speaking of Jesus who is abused, maltreated, ridiculed and maligned and tortured, yet he was silent like a lamb and didn’t say a word. He didn’t fight for his right and flaunt his position as God, He just submitted to the will of his Father in heaven, so he can let his will be done. He trusted in God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Jesus never questioned why he had to do it. Instead, he submitted and followed like a meek lamb. When you do the right thing and obey the law, it is a powerful force that can silence the ignorant and foolish people. He also warns them to use their freedom to cover evil and to act as free people. He reminds them to respect others and ensure that they fear God and honor their leaders.
To do what is righteous is the greatest proclamation of the gospel.
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REFLECTION
• Why is fighting for your rights and criticizing authority not a godly thing to do?