What does 1 Peter 2:17 mean?

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Explanation

1 Peter 2:17 succinctly summarizes key elements of Christian conduct towards others and God. The verse instructs the believer to:

• “Honour all men” suggests a universal respect towards all individuals, regardless of their status, race, or beliefs.
• “Love the brotherhood” calls for a special affection towards fellow Christians, a bond that should be stronger among the members of the faith community.
• “Fear God” emphasizes the importance of having a reverential awe and obedience towards God, acknowledging His authority and righteousness.
• “Honour the king” underlines the respect for civil authorities, which aligns with the overall Biblical teaching of being obedient to governing authorities.

The deeper meaning here echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ about loving one’s neighbor and encompasses respect for human dignity, love for the community of believers, a devout and pious relationship with God, and a responsible citizenship.

Historical Context

1 Peter 2:17 is set against the backdrop of the early Christian experience under Roman rule, a period often marked by suspicion, persecution, and social ostracization of Christians. Peter, a leader of the early Church and traditionally held to be one of Jesus’ apostles, writes to various churches in Asia Minor to encourage them amid suffering and to instruct them in proper Christian living.

Theological Insights

The verse balances the social responsibilities of Christians, both vertically to God and horizontally to mankind. Theologically, it reflects key Christian doctrines:

• Universal human dignity and the inherent worth of all persons as beings created in the image of God.
• The special relationship and mutual love expected within the community of faith, indicative of the New Testament teaching that Christians are united as the body of Christ.
• The sovereignty of God, invoking fear as an expression of piety, which in this context is not about being afraid but rather denotes a profound respect and honor.
• The concept of dual citizenship in Christianity, where Christians are called to be good citizens of both the Kingdom of God and earthly nations, honoring earthly rulers as individuals appointed by God.

Practical Applications

The applications of 1 Peter 2:17 in daily life can be far-ranging:

• Treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• Fostering a caring and supportive environment within one’s religious community or church.
• Demonstrating integrity and godliness in one’s relationship with the Divine through worship, obedience, and personal conduct.
• Recognizing and respecting the role of leaders and authorities in society, adhering to laws, and being an active and positive part of the civic community.

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.”
• Hebrews 13:1 – “Let brotherly love continue.”
• Proverbs 24:21 – “My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to changes.”
• Matthew 22:37-39 – “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Language Study

• “Honour” (Greek: timao) – to value or esteem highly.
• “All men” (Greek: pantas) – the totality of individuals, without distinction.
• “Love” (Greek: agapate) – agape love, indicating a selfless, sacrificial love.
• “Brotherhood” (Greek: adelphoteta) – the community or fellowship of believers.
• “Fear” (Greek: phobeisthe) – a reverential awe, respect, or piety.
• “God” (Greek: theon) – the one and only deity, the supreme being.
• “King” (Greek: basilea) – ruler, emperor, or king.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The command to honor and respect others is a common tenet in many ancient cultures and religious traditions. In the Greco-Roman world, honor was a critical social value, often aligned with one’s standing in society. Early Christian teachings, however, democratized the concept of honor by applying it to all persons. The idea of a religious community bound by love is also found in various forms in many religions. And while the fear of gods was common in many ancient religions, Christianity’s emphasis on a singular, omniscient God redefines this fear as a relational awe.

Scientific Perspectives

While 1 Peter 2:17 doesn’t directly intersect with scientific concepts, modern behavioral sciences explore the benefits of respect, community, and adherence to social structures on individual well-being and societal function. Studies in psychology and sociology affirm the positive impacts of community bonds, respect for others, and established social order—themes that resonate with the prescriptions in this verse.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars offer insights into 1 Peter 2:17:

• According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, the verse captures the duties Christians owe to God, the church, and civil authorities, reflecting the Christian’s call for universal respect and brotherly love tempered by a rightful fear of God and honor to authorities.
• John Calvin’s Commentaries suggest that the four duties listed—two towards men and two towards God, form the Christian’s necessary conduct and are rooted in the divine and natural law.
• The ESV Study Bible notes recognize the social implications of the verse, emphasizing that respect and submission to authorities are consistent with Christian freedom, not a contradiction to it. It points out that true Christian liberty entails service to both God and others.