1 Peter 2:13
1 Peter 2:13
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme.
Peter encourages believers to be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake. This means that our submission is not primarily for the benefit of the rulers, but as an act of obedience to God. While we may not always agree with the decisions made by secular authorities, we are called to submit to them because God has ordained these institutions for the maintenance of order. The apostle reminds us that Jesus Christ Himself was submissive to authorities and that His submission to unjust rulers was an example for us to follow. Submission, in this context, is an act of trust in God’s sovereignty. It is not about agreeing with every decision or policy, but about recognizing that God's will is being accomplished through the order He has established. As Christians, we are not called to rebel or resist earthly authorities, but to humbly submit and honor them, trusting that God is in control of all things. This submission also serves as a witness to the world of our faith in God’s ultimate authority. By submitting to earthly rulers, we acknowledge that we are subject to the highest authority, our Heavenly Father, who is sovereign over all.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven.
Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Colossians 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.