1 Peter 2:11-17

¹¹ “Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.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.”

Verse 11: Peter addresses believers as dear friends and reminds them that they are foreigners and exiles in this world. This means that our true citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to live differently from the world around us. Peter urges believers to abstain from sinful desires, recognizing that these desires can wage war against our souls and hinder our growth in Christ.

Verse 12: Peter encourages believers to live in such a way that their good deeds are evident to those around them, even if they are accused of wrongdoing. Our good deeds are not done to earn salvation or approval from others, but to bring glory to God. Our transformed lives should be a testimony to the power and grace of God, even in the face of opposition.

Verse 13: Peter instructs believers to submit to human authorities for the Lord’s sake. This submission is not a blind obedience, but a recognition that God has established authorities for order and governance in society. Believers are called to respect and honor those in positions of authority, including the emperor or governing authorities of their time.

Verse 14: Peter acknowledges that governors are sent by the authorities to punish wrongdoers and commend those who do right. This does not mean that all governing authorities are perfect or always just. However, believers are called to respect the role and function of these authorities, recognizing that they serve a purpose in maintaining order and justice in society.

Verse 15: Peter reminds believers that doing good is God’s will. Our good deeds can serve as a powerful response to the criticism and ignorance of those who oppose the faith. Our actions can silence the accusations and demonstrate the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.

Verse 16: Peter encourages believers to live as free people, but cautions against using that freedom as a cover-up for evil. Our freedom in Christ does not give us license to indulge in sinful behavior. Instead, we are called to live as slaves of God, recognizing that our true freedom comes from surrendering to His will and living in obedience to him.

Verse 17: Peter instructs believers to show respect to everyone, love fellow believers, fear God, and honor the emperor. This encompasses a balanced approach to relationships and responsibilities. We are called to treat all people with respect and love, recognizing the value and dignity of each individual. We are to fear God, acknowledging His authority and living in reverence for him. And we are to honor the emperor or governing authorities, recognizing their role in society while ultimately prioritizing our allegiance to God.