For the Lord’s Sake: Living Faithfully Under Authority1 Peter 2:13–17

There are certain passages of Scripture that feel uncomfortable the moment we read them. Not because they are unclear, but because they confront parts of us that resist surrender. First Peter chapter 2 is one of those passages.

Peter writes to believers who are living as exiles. People who do not truly belong to the culture or systems around them. They are followers of Christ in a world that increasingly views them as a threat. And into that tension, Peter delivers a command that feels almost unthinkable.

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.”
1 Peter 2:13

That sentence alone can stop us in our tracks.

What Does It Mean to Be Subject?

To be subject means to submit. And submission is not something most of us enjoy. It implies yielding control, surrendering preference, and placing ourselves under authority that we may not agree with or even trust.

But submission does not mean blind obedience. It does not mean endorsing sin, agreeing with unbiblical decisions, or approving injustice. Peter is not calling believers to compromise truth. He is calling them to live in a way that reflects Christ even when authority is flawed.

Submission, in this context, is about posture, not agreement. It is about obedience to God, not allegiance to systems.

Every Human Institution

Peter expands his command beyond a single ruler. He speaks of emperors, governors, and authorities placed in positions of power. Today, that list extends far beyond ancient Rome.

Human institutions include government leaders, law enforcement, judicial systems, workplace authorities, school leadership, and even church leadership. These systems exist because God allows them to exist. That truth can be difficult to accept, especially when authority is abused or corrupt.

But Scripture is clear. God is sovereign.

Romans 13 tells us there is no authority except from God. Daniel reminds us that God removes kings and sets up kings. This does not mean God approves of every action taken by those in power. It means He remains in control even when humanity is broken.

God uses authority to restrain chaos in a fallen world. Even flawed leaders can still punish wrongdoing and reward good, because God has placed His moral law within humanity.

Submission Has a Purpose

Peter does not leave us guessing why submission matters.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
1 Peter 2:15

The way believers live matters. Our conduct speaks louder than our arguments. When Christians respond to authority with humility, integrity, and grace, it dismantles false accusations and misrepresentations of the faith.

In Peter’s time, Christians were accused of cannibalism, incest, atheism, and witchcraft. When disasters struck, they were blamed and persecuted. Their response was not rebellion or retaliation, but honorable living that pointed others to Christ.

God uses faithful obedience, even under pressure, to draw people out of ignorance and into truth.

When Obedience to God Comes First

Submission to authority is not absolute. Scripture is clear that when human authority commands believers to violate God’s Word, obedience to God must always come first.

In many parts of the world today, following Christ is illegal. Believers are imprisoned, beaten, and killed for preaching the Gospel. Should they obey those laws? Absolutely not. The call to proclaim Jesus outweighs any earthly command.

Submission ends where sin begins.

Following Christ may cost comfort, reputation, freedom, and even life. Jesus Himself made that clear when He said those who follow Him must take up their cross.

Walking the Second Mile

Jesus taught something radical in Matthew 5.

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”

In Roman times, soldiers could force civilians to carry their equipment for one mile. It was humiliating and oppressive. Jesus did not tell His followers to resist. He told them to exceed expectations with grace.

This is how believers stand out. Not through retaliation, but through love. Not through entitlement, but through service.

When Christians live this way, accusations lose their power. The Gospel gains credibility. Hearts begin to soften.

Free, But Not Free to Sin

Peter reminds believers that they are free in Christ. Free from condemnation. Free from sin’s bondage. Free from trying to earn salvation through the law.

But freedom is not permission to live however we want.

Grace does not excuse sin. Faith produces obedience. A life transformed by Christ reflects Him in action, not just belief.

True freedom leads to service.

Honor Everyone

Peter closes with four short commands that summarize the Christian life.

Honor everyone.
Love the brotherhood.
Fear God.
Honor the emperor.

Every person has value because they are made in the image of God. Believers are called to love one another visibly, so the world can see the difference. A healthy fear of God drives obedience and repentance. And honoring leaders reflects trust in God’s sovereignty, even when we disagree.

The Question We Must Answer

Can people tell you belong to Christ by the way you live?

Is there enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of Jesus?

The way we respond to authority, adversity, criticism, and injustice reveals who we truly serve. God uses our obedience, even when it is costly, to bring others to Himself.

Walking the second mile is not easy. But it is how Christ walked.

And we are called to follow Him.