What does 1 Peter 2:13 mean?

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 1 Peter 2:13

Explanation

1 Peter 2:13 advises Christians to subject themselves to every human institution and authority. This verse implies not only obedience to laws but also a more profound notion of respect and acknowledgement of governing bodies. The phrase “for the Lord’s sake” indicates that such submission is not merely a social or political duty but a spiritual act of obedience to God’s will. The idea is that by obeying lawful authorities, believers honor God, who, according to Christian belief, establishes and permits such powers to exist.

Historical Context

The epistle of 1 Peter was written during the early formation of the Christian church, in a time when Christians were often misunderstood, marginalized, and persecuted within the Roman Empire. Peter is addressing churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), where the inhabitants were subject to the Roman authority. His advice reflects an approach to prevent unnecessary conflicts with the Roman government and to lead a peaceful existence within a pagan society while maintaining Christian witness and conduct.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret 1 Peter 2:13 in various ways.

• Traditional conservative theology often emphasizes the importance of law and order, suggesting that God ordains governments for the stability of society.
• Liberation theologians might argue that the submission must be critically evaluated in light of justice and God’s preferential option for the poor, meaning that injustice and oppressive regimes do not warrant blind obedience.
• Anabaptist theology would focus on the tension between allegiance to God and allegiance to the state, often prioritizing the former when there is a conflict.

Practical Applications

1 Peter 2:13 can be applied in daily life by encouraging Christians to be law-abiding citizens, paying taxes, voting, and participating in civic activities constructively. Furthermore, it suggests that Christians should respect and pray for their leaders, seeking peace and not being unnecessarily defiant or subversive unless the laws of man conflict with the laws of God.

Cross-References

• Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
• Titus 3:1 “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,”
• Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of 1 Peter 2:13 are:

• “Submit yourselves” (hypotasso): to arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, to put in subjection, to submit oneself unto.
• “Ordinance” (ktisis): creation, creature, institution, or ordinance. The term implies an established order or system.
• “King” (basileus): monarch, king, ruler; the primary authority.

These terms carry connotations of an established hierarchy and order that Christians are encouraged to recognize and maintain.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing 1 Peter 2:13 to other ancient religious texts, one might find similarities in the emphasis on social order and respect for authority, such as the codes of conduct in Confucianism or the Laws of Manu in Hinduism. Each tradition has a way of interpreting how individuals relate to governing bodies, though the underlying reasons may differ.

Scientific Perspectives

Although science does not typically comment on matters of faith and obedience to authority in a religious sense, social sciences such as sociology and political science study the effects of social structures and governance on individuals and communities. From a scientific point of view, the adherence to social norms and laws generally contributes to societal stability and order.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse emphasizes the Christian duty to civil government because of God and the public good except where the law of God is clear to the contrary.
• John Calvin notes that submission to government is an act of service to God and maintains social order.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary reiterates the importance of Christian testimony in public life, recognizing that a Christian’s behavior in society reflects their faith and can serve as a witness to non-believers.