THIS section is all about the Christian's responsibility to authority wherever it comes from. When we study the instructions here we need to remember that the society in which the early church lived was different to ours, and by no means so caring for human rights. If we remember this it will place a different aspect on the instructions here. As Christians we belong to the highest authority which is God and our Lord Jesus Christ, yet these instructions are given to us by Peter for living in this world.

VERSES 13-17.

These verses are instructions about how a Christian must behave with regard to the state, and the authorities which are set up by the state.

We are told to submit to all authority, whether it is to the highest authority, or whether it is one of the lesser authorities right down to the least important. For us this takes in Parliament and the judiciary; the police and local government.

Peter tells us we must submit to this authority. This is a strong word. Submission is not only to obey the laws governing our society, but approve them and respect them.

By this instruction given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit indicates that this is God's will and purpose for society, and so the reason we must obey authority is because it is for the Lord's sake. So by obedience we are honouring God, and bringing no dishonour on his name. The instruction to obedience takes into account that Christians will find very often that the state and authority is hostile to them, but it is God's will that we put their criticism and rage against us to shame by seeking in all things to respect the authority.

We submit to the state in obedience to the Lord who is our highest authority. This brings us face to face with the question whether there is any circumstances when it would be right to disobey the authority set over us. Also it raises the question concerning what is permitted in seeking to correct what is felt to be wrong with legislation.

This obedience and submission is carried out by as Service the Lord - that is doing everything as to the Lord and in obedience to him. With this we must show respect to all, special love to other Christians, and honour to the king. Above all this we must fear God, that is put him and his wishes first.

VERSES 18-21.

This section deals with how a Christian lives and acts in slavery. At first we may say that there is no slavery now, and this has no relevance today. If we say this we would be wrong. This instruction relates to all for whom we work, whether it is for a salary or on a voluntary basis. We must respect our employers, etc. This has to be true even if we have a bad employer. Peter says that this respect must be given to both good and bad employers. He illustrates this by accepting the fact that there are bad employers, and tells us these must be submitted to, and this is because we are called to this attitude because we follow Christ. Christ suffered great injustice for our sake. This is the example we must follow, because this is something God commends.

All this raises questions in our mind. The first is in relation to slavery. The Bible nowhere condemns slavery as such. It condemns the abuse of slavery, but a passage like this does not question the right to have slaves. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon because Onesimus was his slave.

Then there is the whole question of the right we have to stand against injustice, and the question of human rights which are so much at the forefront of thinking today.

Then there is the question of what the good is when we follow Christ, and even submit to injustice and endure it. How far should this teaching take us, and if it is taken to its ultimate degree does this bring about good instead of evil evil.

VERSES 22-25.

Peter now speaks of the example Christ gave us in his submission. Peter tells us Christ left us an example to follow in this matter. (v.21)

There was never anything in the life, thoughts or actions of Jesus that was in any way meriting criticism. All his actions and thoughts were righteous and pure. Yet Jesus did not retaliate when he was treated unjustly. He made no threats. Instead Jesus submitted to all his suffering and entrusted himself to God. Jesus was doing the will of God in a very special way. It was God's will that Jesus should suffer so that he could make atonement for our sins.

This shows us that in all things we must take our questions or complaint to God. By this we commend ourselves to his care. We acknowledge that God is ordering our lives for good. And by this we show that we seek his guidance as to how we should act.

Christ's submission to injustice was for a very specific purpose which was to bring the greatest good for us, for by submitting to total injustice he was bearing our sin in our place that we may be delivered from sin, and live for righteousness. It is through his wounds, his cross and death, that we are healed of sin and evil. This is the tremendous good which Jesus provided for us. Through Christ and his submission we are brought back to God as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

When we submit to injustice and abuse for Christ's sake, do we do good, and achieve some good for others? This is the big question, but we must not commence from the question, but rather from the will of God, which is our submission, which is our first submission to God.