1 Peter 2:13

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

{G3767} Submit yourselves {G5293} to every {G3956} ordinance {G2937} of man {G442} for {G1223} the Lord's sake {G2962}: whether it be {G1535} to the king {G935}, as {G5613} supreme {G5242};

For the sake of the Lord, submit yourselves to every human authority — whether to the emperor as being supreme,

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

Commentary

1 Peter 2:13 calls believers to a profound posture of civic responsibility and submission, emphasizing that such obedience is ultimately an act of reverence towards God.

Context

The Apostle Peter addresses Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, who were often marginalized, misunderstood, and even persecuted. In the verses immediately preceding, Peter exhorts them to live honorably among the Gentiles, so that their good works might eventually lead others to glorify God. This instruction on submission to human authority flows directly from that call to exemplary conduct, demonstrating how Christian faith impacts public life and societal order. It sets the stage for further discussions on specific relationships, including servants and masters, and husbands and wives.

Key Themes

  • Submission to Human Authority: The primary command is to "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man." This means respecting and obeying established laws, regulations, and governing bodies. Peter emphasizes that this applies broadly, from the highest authority ("the king, as supreme") down to local magistrates, as detailed in the subsequent verse (1 Peter 2:14).
  • Divine Motivation for Obedience: The crucial qualifier is "for the Lord's sake." This transforms civic duty into spiritual worship. Christians submit not merely out of fear of punishment or civic obligation, but because it honors God and reflects His divine order. This motivation distinguishes Christian submission from mere conformity, making it a powerful testimony.
  • Christian Witness: By demonstrating respectful obedience to civil authorities, believers silence the ignorant accusations of those who might slander their faith, as Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:15. It shows that Christian freedom is not an excuse for lawlessness, but a freedom to serve God and others.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "submit yourselves" is hypotassō (ὑποτάσσω), which literally means "to place under" or "to arrange oneself under." It implies a voluntary act of aligning oneself with an established order, rather than a forced subjugation. It's the same term used in other New Testament passages regarding submission within the church, family, and society.
  • "Ordinance of man" translates the Greek anthrōpinē ktisei (ἀνθρωπίνῃ κτίσει), meaning "human creation" or "human institution." This highlights that while these structures are humanly devised, believers are called to obey them for a divine purpose.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for believers today. It calls us to be exemplary citizens, respecting laws and governmental structures even when we may disagree with specific policies or leaders. Our obedience serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. However, it's important to note the biblical principle that submission to human authority is not absolute; if human law directly contradicts God's clear commands, believers must obey God rather than men, a principle exemplified in Acts 5:29. Generally, Christians are called to be good stewards of their citizenship, praying for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and contributing positively to society, thereby honoring God in the public square.

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Cross-References

  • Titus 3:1 (22 votes)

    ¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

  • Romans 13:1 (20 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Romans 13:7 (20 votes)

    ¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

  • 1 Timothy 2:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

  • 1 Timothy 2:2 (14 votes)

    For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

  • Luke 20:25 (11 votes)

    And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

  • Proverbs 24:21 (10 votes)

    ¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change: