13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)
Submission to Government
The general rule for Christian conduct is that it must be honest, which is not possible without a sincere effort to fulfill all relational duties. The apostle clearly addresses these duties, beginning with the responsibility of subjects to their rulers.
Christians were often viewed as religious innovators and threats to public order. It was therefore necessary for the apostle to clarify how believers should relate to civil authorities. The core duty he emphasizes is submission, which involves loyalty, respect for those in authority, obedience to their lawful commands, and acceptance of legal consequences when necessary.
This submission applies broadly to every human institution. While civil authority itself is established by God, the particular structures, powers, and individuals involved in governance are shaped by human laws and customs. This general principle applies to all nations, regardless of their form of government. Specifically, submission is due to the king as the highest authority, and also to governors, who are commissioned by the king to administer government on his behalf.
Several reasons support this duty. First, it is for the Lord’s sake. God ordained civil government for the good of humanity, and He requires obedience. His honor is reflected in how believers behave toward their rulers (Romans 13). Second, government exists to punish those who do wrong and to reward those who do right. Its purpose is the good of society, and any failure in achieving that purpose reflects not on its divine origin but on human misuse.
True religion, then, is the best support for civil government. It teaches submission for both the Lord’s sake and for conscience’s sake. Even with all the rulers and punishments in the world, evildoers will still exist. The best way a government can fulfill its role is by punishing evil effectively and rewarding good behavior.
Another reason for Christian submission is that it is the will of God, and thus their duty. It also serves to silence the malicious slander of ignorant and foolish people (1 Peter 2:15). For the believer, the will of God is the strongest motivation to fulfill any duty. Obedience to civil authority is an important part of the Christian life. Therefore, in every relationship, Christians should strive to live in such a way that puts to rest the unjust accusations of those who are ignorant and hostile toward religion. Those who oppose religious people are often simply foolish and uninformed.
To address misconceptions about Christian liberty, the apostle reminds them that their freedom in Christ does not mean freedom from obeying civil authorities. Some Jews had interpreted Deuteronomy 17:15 to mean they were only obligated to obey rulers from among their own people. Some Jewish Christians mistakenly thought their relationship with Christ freed them from civil subjection. However, the apostle clarifies that while they are free from the bondage of sin, Satan, and the ceremonial law, they are not free from the obligations of God’s moral law, which includes civil obedience. Their liberty must not become a cover for wrongdoing or neglect of their duties. Instead, they must remember they are still God’s servants.
All who serve Christ are truly free (John 8:36). They are free from the dominion of Satan, from the condemnation of the law, from God’s wrath, from the burden of duty, and from the fear of death. Yet, this freedom must never be misused as a justification for disobedience or sin.
The apostle ends his teaching on submission with four key instructions. First, believers must honor everyone. This includes the poor, who are not to be despised (Proverbs 17:5), and even the wicked, who may still be worthy of honor for qualities such as wisdom, courage, or position. Godly figures in Scripture often showed respect to ungodly men when appropriate. Second, they must love the brotherhood—all Christians, who are united in Christ, share the same spiritual goals, and are journeying together toward the same eternal home. Third, they must fear God with reverence and submission; without this, none of the other duties can be properly fulfilled. Finally, they must honor the king, giving him the special respect due to his position above other men.