The Upward Look
© Copyright 2010, Max D. Hutto,

“Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.”
   1 Peter 2:13-14 HCSB ©

The government in power during Peter’s time was an evil tyrant. Nevertheless, Peter calls for believers to voluntarily submit to civil authority as an act of obedience to the Lord. This submission was not just to the Emperor but also to the lesser officials of the government. The God given purpose of government is to punish evil and encourage those who do right. Let it be noted that believers are to obey God above all others. When forced to choose between obeying God or man (Acts 4:18-20), Peter chose to obey God.

Lord Jesus, I desire to be a good citizen of both heaven and my country. As I respect those in authority over me, help me to live is such way as to honor You.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)