For the Lord's sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or the governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
1 Peter 2:13-17
According to Biblical scholars, Peter was most likely writing from Rome to
Christian Jewish communities scattered throughout Asia Minor. The times were very
dangerous for these communities given the throne in Rome was like a game of musical chairs! This letter was written around the time of 60 - 64AD. Nero was emperor. Christians were THE sport for the coliseum crowds.
This entire epistle is given to these Christians and to us as a guide for living in our own
diverse materialistic, secularistic Culture. The goal is to encourage and give direction for those of the times and ours: respectful consideration of our lawfully appointed civic leaders and observance of the laws of the land. Peter knew that these goals would reflect Christians as a well-meaning part of the social fabric of the general communities in which they lived; a way to protect them from further persecution. Peace can better exist throughout societies where the laws are observed.
We are blessed to have the protection of law to follow any variety of religious beliefs
without fears of persecution. Furthermore, as Christians we are free through faith as children of God through Baptism and as recipients of our Father's mercy because of our Lord's death and Resurrection. So with gratitude, we can acknowledge our freedom through Faith in Christ's redemptive act and our freedom to peacefully live, serve and worship as Christians while observing civil law. We follow Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you"; to care for and help others as best we can; to respect the laws...to see in them another manifestation of God's will.
The peace and freedom we experience is a gift from our heavenly Father. Every day
pray that His Holy Spirit guide us in all our cares, occupations and good works. We are every day walking in His presence.
Kay Horton
1 Peter 2:13-17
According to Biblical scholars, Peter was most likely writing from Rome to
Christian Jewish communities scattered throughout Asia Minor. The times were very
dangerous for these communities given the throne in Rome was like a game of musical chairs! This letter was written around the time of 60 - 64AD. Nero was emperor. Christians were THE sport for the coliseum crowds.
This entire epistle is given to these Christians and to us as a guide for living in our own
diverse materialistic, secularistic Culture. The goal is to encourage and give direction for those of the times and ours: respectful consideration of our lawfully appointed civic leaders and observance of the laws of the land. Peter knew that these goals would reflect Christians as a well-meaning part of the social fabric of the general communities in which they lived; a way to protect them from further persecution. Peace can better exist throughout societies where the laws are observed.
We are blessed to have the protection of law to follow any variety of religious beliefs
without fears of persecution. Furthermore, as Christians we are free through faith as children of God through Baptism and as recipients of our Father's mercy because of our Lord's death and Resurrection. So with gratitude, we can acknowledge our freedom through Faith in Christ's redemptive act and our freedom to peacefully live, serve and worship as Christians while observing civil law. We follow Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you"; to care for and help others as best we can; to respect the laws...to see in them another manifestation of God's will.
The peace and freedom we experience is a gift from our heavenly Father. Every day
pray that His Holy Spirit guide us in all our cares, occupations and good works. We are every day walking in His presence.
Kay Horton
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