1 Peter 2:11-17 (NKJV) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submission to Government
(cf. Rom. 13:1–5)
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
V11 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul…” We are simply passing through this life. We are ambassadors doing the will of God until our service is over. Our country, city, and King are in heaven. Since, we are temporary residents of earth (2 Corinthians 4:18 and Philippians 3:20), we must not let our fleshly desires dictate our life. Money has no spiritual meaning. It is better to invest in heavenly treasures. See Matthew 6:20-21, Luke 16:11, Hebrews 11:26, and Colossians 3:1-3.
V12 “…having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Honorable in accordance to God’s standard. Our lives and speech are noticed by non-Christians. We must know and live God’s way of life. It is a testimony and an opportunity to demonstrate God’s great and good ways. Others may mock us as evildoers, but God knows us in truth.
Comments about the Day of Visitation:
(Wuest Word Studies) “The word “visitation” is the translation of the Greek word which is also rendered “bishop, overseer.” It means “to observe, inspect, oversee”” in its verb form, and “one who oversees or observes,” in its noun form which is used here. The day of visitation is “the day of looking upon.” Wherever this word is used in the New Testament and translated “visit” or “visitation,” it refers to the visitation of God’s mercy and grace. Here it refers to the day when as Vincent puts it, “God shall look upon these wanderers as a pastor over his flock, and shall become the overlooker or bishop of their souls.”
(Bible Knowledge Commentary): “On the day He visits is literally “in the day of [His] visitation” (en hēmera episkopēs; cf. Luke 19:44). Some say this refers to God’s “visiting” or looking on the wicked in judgment, but it probably refers to their salvation (i.e., when God looks in on them in His mercy and brings them to conversion; cf. epeskepsato, Acts 15:14).”
An illustration by Warren W Wiersby:
“In the summer of 1805, a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met in council at Buffalo Creek, New York to hear a presentation of the Christian message by a Mr. Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, a response was given by Red Jacket, one of the leading chiefs. Among other things, the chief said:
“Brother, you say that there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agree, as you can all read the Book?
“Brother, we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.”
V13 “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme…” It is for this reason we must obey the laws of the government unless they cause us to disobey God (Acts 5:29).
V14 “…or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” Government was initiated by God in Genesis 11:1-9 to control criminals whether a business or individuals. It is to arrest, charge, try, decide, and sentence as needed. Governments in general have failed to obey God’s directive. Leaders will be held accountable by God for their compliance to His standards.
V15 “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men…” This is one of the results of living God’s way of life. The foolish are those who mock Christians, but they hopefully change as they observe our manner of life. Compare Ephesians 2:3 and Ephesians 4:22 with Philippians 1:27.
V16 “…as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” The Greek word for “free” is (G1658) ἐλεύθερος eleútheros, which means able to move unconstrained. See same word occurs in John 8:36, Romans 7:3, 1 Corinthians 7:22, and Galatians 3:28. We must not be deceivers by using freedom to take advantage of other people. We are not slaves, but we are servants that THE King has given a measure of limited libertarian freedom (Galatians 5:13). Our liberty should motivate us to serve God, fellow believers, and as a witness for Jesus.
V17 “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” Three more rules of the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). We are to honor and respect leaders even if they are evil. We should use titles of respect if they are entitled to it. The brotherhood is all fellow believers. We are to respect the king.
We learn:
• Rules from the Law of Christ
• Some examples of doing so