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1 Peter 2:13

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Peter 2:13

Verse 13 of 25

Scripture focus

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

1 Peter 2:13 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13

Theological / Devotional

Submit yourselves. Literally, “submit yourselves once for all.”

Every ordinance of man. Literally, “every human institution.” Except where principle would be violated the Christian is to cooperate heartily with the written and unwritten laws of the society in which he lives. Peter here considers the various forms of government as man-made institutions. He does not emphasize, as Paul does in Rom. 13, the divine permission by which earthly rulers exercise their power, but stresses the human aspect of their authority. The Christian will not use force against established authority.

Lord’s sake. The Christian is to discharge his civic obligations not from fear of punishment, but because of the precept and example of his Lord while on earth. Jesus complied with civil regulations, even submitting to injustice rather than rebel against established authority (see on Matt. 22:21 ; 26:50-53).

Supreme. Literally, “standing above,” or “having it over others,” in position.

By SdaBc