What is the meaning of 1 Peter 2:14? or to governors The command to submit stretches beyond the emperor and reaches his local representatives. • Governors are legitimate authorities placed over regions (Acts 23:24–26; Titus 3:1). • Obedience to them honors God, who “established” every authority (Romans 13:1). • Respecting traffic laws, taxes, and courtroom summonses reflects Christ’s words: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). as those sent by him Governors wield derived, not ultimate, authority. • Jesus told Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me unless it were given…from above” (John 19:11). • Resisting rightful authority equals resisting God’s order (Romans 13:2). • Knowing God stands behind earthly delegation breeds calm confidence (Proverbs 21:1). to punish those who do wrong Civil government exists to restrain evil. • It “does not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4). • Paul benefited when Roman soldiers shielded him from a violent crowd (Acts 22:24). • Punishment of crime preserves space for “peaceful and quiet lives” that favor gospel advance (1 Timothy 2:1–4). • When rulers demand sin, believers reply, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). and to praise those who do right Government should commend righteousness. • “Righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34). • Cornelius, a Roman centurion, enjoyed praise for generosity and justice (Acts 10:22). • Honorable living “silences the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15) and lets good deeds glorify God (Matthew 5:16). • Even under hostile regimes, blameless conduct leaves accusers empty-handed (Daniel 6:4). summary God appoints governors to curb evil and celebrate good. Christians, therefore, submit to their oversight—unless pressed to disobey God—trusting His sovereignty, promoting public order, and displaying a credible, attractive witness to the gospel. |
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