“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.”
To put this passage in perspective, it is important to remember that Peter is believed to have died by upside-down crucifixion under the rule of the emperor Nero. Context matters, and to Peter’s readers submitting to human authority was an extremely dangerous and spiritual act. Submission to martyrdom was considered the highest honor and calling. In doing so, early Christians were following the example of Jesus who was silent during his trial.
There are all kinds of examples in the Bible of people doing the right thing by not following human authorities. Rahab lied to messengers of the king; Daniel did not stop praying even when the law changed; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow to the king. In more modern times, those who opposed the Nazis or participated in the Underground Railroad were not submitting to human authorities. Even today, it is right to non-violently oppose racism and other forms of oppression. But for Peter’s audience, there was only one choice in facing an emperor who was bent on killing any Christian he could: submit. Be willing to face death. In doing so, Christians would become known as those who never gave up on their faith but also were obviously persecuted for no human fault of their own.
Here’s your freedom for today: you are free to live a life of higher purpose. This highest of callings requires humility and selflessness. The moment you use your freedom to be obnoxious or downright evil, you’ve lost the whole mission. Fear God. Know that he is working it out when you faithfully and humbly do the right thing. Surrender, to God and to those who persecute you for your faith. Too often in our American society, Christians play the victim card and complain about people “persecuting” them (because they won’t say “Merry Christmas” or some other ridiculous scenario). Let’s be willing, like Peter, to never say a bad word about anyone no matter what they do to us. Let’s stop making excuses and never give anyone a reason to say a bad word about us as the church again.