Sojourners and Civil Obedience – 1 Peter 2:13-17
Scripture
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
Description
Peter exhorts the sojourning church to subject or rank themselves under the human authorities that God has appointed over them. However, this subjection is not ultimate and final. The church cannot obey civil authorities when they go against God’s Word or endanger innocent human life.
