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.
Isaiah 22:22
And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and none shall shut.
Psalm 22:28
For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations.
John 19:11
You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.
Mark 6:7
And Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits.