1 Peter 2:13-14 13Submit yourselves to every human authority on account of the Lord, whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of good doers.
Peter continues his advice to the scattered believers about practical ways to live that would bring glory to God. Verse 13 introduces the difficult concept of submission. It can be especially difficult to submit, especially to human authorities. Authority (ktisei) refers to something created, and it has the particular focus here of governing authorities because of the mention of the emperor and governors. The use of this word puts even the highest authority in the proper context of only being just another human who must give an account to the same Creator. It is not easy to submit to human authorities, not matter at what level or responsibility, especially if they are ungodly. Peter was later executed by the Roman Emperor Nero. Whatever the details of his trial were or of what he was accused, his submission and death witnessed to the truth of Christ.
What does such submission accomplish? It offers those in authority an opportunity to hear the gospel, resulting in a choice that provides eternal life or accountability before God, who will judge each person accordingly. Submission to authorities is part of developing a good reputation. How we live matters to the spread of the gospel. People at all levels are watching Christians. If we are ever to change our culture or influence our society, we must pay the price of living as submissive citizens who model the message we claim.
The job of political leaders is to ensure justice. They should serve as unbiased arbiters of the truth. It is unfortunate when leaders push their own views and agendas or promote evil or political correctness as a lifestyle more important than truth and justice. It may seem that an individual is powerless before unrighteous authority. The early Christians were in a difficult place because of their small numbers. Still, they lived righteous, holy, and loving lives. Eventually, this witness spread all over the Roman Empire over the course of generations, shifting culture and even reaching the emperor. Our motivation ought to be for the sake of the Lord Jesus, who will be glorified by how we live before people.