a) Outline Peter's teaching on Christians' attitude to civil authorities. (b) State three reasons for submission to civil authorities.

Answer Details

(a) Peter's teaching on the Christian's attitude to civil authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17)

• Peter urges believers to submit themselves to every human institution for the Lord's sake, whether to the emperor as supreme or to governors sent by him.
• He explains that governors are sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right, so civil authority serves a good purpose ordained by God.
• He teaches that it is God's will that by doing good Christians should silence the ignorance of foolish men.
• Believers are to live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but rather as servants of God.
• He sums it up in four commands: honour everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honour the emperor.

(b) Three reasons for submission to civil authorities

1. Civil authority is ordained by God for the good ordering of society, so obeying it is part of obeying God.
2. Authorities exist to punish wrongdoers and reward those who do good, thereby maintaining peace, law and order.
3. Obedience gives a good testimony, silencing critics and commending the Christian faith to unbelievers.