1 Peter 2:16
Verse
Context
Submission to Authorities
15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.16Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As free - The Jews pretended that they were a free people, and owed allegiance to God alone; hence they were continually rebelling against the Roman government, to which God had subjected them because of their rebellion against him: thus they used their liberty for a cloak of maliciousness - for a pretext of rebellion, and by it endeavored to vindicate their seditious and rebellious conduct. But as the servants of God - These were free from sin and Satan, but they were the servants of God - bound to obey him; and, as he had made it their duty to obey the civil magistrate, they served God by submitting to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As free--as "the Lord's freemen," connected with Pe1 2:15, doing well as being free. "Well-doing" (Pe1 2:15) is the natural fruit of being freemen of Christ, made free by "the truth" from the bondage of sin. Duty is enforced on us to guard against licentiousness, but the way in which it is to be fulfilled, is by love and the holy instincts of Christian liberty. We are given principles, not details. not using--Greek, "not as having your liberty for a veil (cloak) of badness, but as the servants of God," and therefore bound to submit to every ordinance of man (Pe1 2:13) which is of God's appointment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Honour all men,.... To whom honour is due, according to the place, station, and circumstances in which they are, the gifts of providence and grace bestowed on them, and the usefulness they are of, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor, believers or unbelievers: it is a saying of Ben Zoma (e), "who is to be honoured, or is worthy of honour , "he that honoureth creatures"; meaning men in general, or the Gentiles particularly, who were sometimes so called by the Jews; See Gill on Mar 16:15, and may be meant by "all men" here: love the brotherhood; or "your brethren", as the Syriac version renders it: the whole company of the brethren in Christ, who are born of God, are members of Christ, and of the same body, and have the same spirit, belong to the same family, and are of the household of faith, let them be of whatsoever nation, or in whatsoever circumstances of life. The Jews had not that good opinion of, nor that affection for the Gentiles, but were ready to treat them with indifference, neglect, and contempt; and not only those that knew not God, but even believing Gentiles themselves; and which is the reason of these exhortations, that they should despise no man, but honour all; and especially should express their love, both by words and deeds, to those that were in the same spiritual relation with them, and that without any difference, on account of their being of another nation: fear God; not with a servile, but a filial fear, the new covenant grace of fear; which springs from the goodness of God, has that for its object, and is increased by the fresh instances and discoveries of it; and which shows itself in a reverential affection for God, a strict regard to his worship and ordinances, and a carefulness of offending him. This is placed between what goes before, and follows after, to show the influence it has on each of them; for where the fear of God is, there will be due respect shown to all men, more or less, and an hearty and affectionate love to all the saints, as brethren, and a proper regard to those that are set in high places of dignity and power: honour the king; Caesar, the Roman emperor, though a wicked, persecuting Nero, and so any other king or governor; who, so far as he acts the part of a civil magistrate, preserves the peace, the property, and liberty of his subjects, is a terror to evil works, and an encourager of good ones, and rules according to the laws of God, and civil society, is deserving of great honour and esteem from men; and which is to be shown by speaking well of him; by a cheerful subjection to him; by an observance of the laws, and by payment of tribute, and doing everything to make him easy, and honourable in his government: advice much like this is given by Isocrates (f), "fear God, honour parents, revere friends, and obey the laws. (e) Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 1. (f) Paraen. ad Demos Orat. 1.
1 Peter 2:16
Submission to Authorities
15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.16Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Fury of Fire) 04 - Shrinking Back to Destruction
By Milton Green3.3K39:36LUK 6:36LUK 6:382CO 7:1EPH 4:262TI 2:191PE 2:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation in the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker encourages listeners to follow the messages in the Bible in order to choose the Word of God over the traditions of men. The sermon also highlights the concept of walking in covenant with Jesus and the power of the Word of God. The speaker discusses the consequences of breaking God's law and the principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing the importance of giving and speaking blessings. The sermon concludes with a reference to 2 Corinthians 4, discussing the removal of the veil through Christ and the role of obedience in experiencing the grace of God.
Set Free
By Paris Reidhead1.8K04:28JHN 8:36ROM 6:221CO 6:20GAL 5:11PE 2:16This sermon tells a powerful story of a man who bought a slave in order to set her free, illustrating the profound love and sacrifice that was made. It draws a parallel to how Jesus Christ bought us with His blood to set us free from sin and bondage, emphasizing the joy and gratitude that should fill our hearts as we surrender to Him as our Lord and Master.
God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism
By Russell Kelfer1.6K41:25PatriotismNUM 16:11SA 15:9JER 3:1ROM 13:1ROM 13:71PE 2:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasizes that God often brings out these qualities in our lives through spiritual warfare and both victories and defeats. The speaker also highlights the responsibilities of Christians to their nation, particularly the importance of prayer. He urges listeners to reflect on their lives before meeting Jesus and to be grateful for the forgiveness of sins and personal relationship with God.
Responding to Mercy
By Jason Neil80255:33PSA 101:3PSA 119:371PE 2:16REV 15:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and marvelous works of the Lord, as mentioned in Revelation 15:3-4. The sermon then focuses on the proper response to God's goodness, highlighting the importance of worshiping and fearing Him. The preacher references Jeremiah 7:1-4 to highlight the need for reform and righteousness in the house of the Lord. The sermon concludes with a reminder from Romans 12, urging believers to present themselves as living sacrifices to God and live as servants of Him. The sermon emphasizes the need to reflect God's goodness in our lives and avoid engaging in immoral or worthless activities.
Stewardship - Part 5
By David Adams74150:58MAT 6:33ROM 13:11CO 4:21PE 2:161PE 4:10REV 2:1In this sermon, the speaker acknowledges the abundance of material to cover and the need to condense it. They emphasize the importance of being faithful stewards of the ministries God has given us. The speaker references 1 Corinthians 4 and 1 Peter 4, highlighting the need to use our gifts to serve one another and to speak the word of God. The ultimate goal is to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
Truly Free
By Basilea Schlink54904:35Radio ShowJHN 8:36ROM 6:182CO 3:17GAL 5:1JAS 1:251PE 2:161JN 1:9In this sermon transcript titled "Truly Free" by Basilia Schlink, the speaker shares her personal struggle with sin and her search for freedom. She finds solace in a Bible verse from John 8:36, where Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will be truly free. The speaker encourages listeners to engage in a battle of faith against their sins, committing themselves to God's chastening and allowing Him to break their rebelliousness. She emphasizes the power of Jesus' name in overcoming sin and encourages listeners to strive in faith, knowing that Christ can conquer every sin.
Freedom, Personal and Moral
By Olin Alfred Curtis0PSA 119:45ISA 61:1JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ROM 6:182CO 3:17GAL 5:1GAL 5:13JAS 1:251PE 2:16Olin Alfred Curtis preaches about the intrinsic connection between personal freedom and moral responsibility, emphasizing the intuitive sense of freedom and responsibility in self-consciousness and moral decision-making. He highlights the importance of personal loyalty and the necessity of volitional freedom for the development of heroic moral character. Curtis explores the concept of error in the world and argues that personal freedom is crucial for rational thought and the pursuit of truth, countering determinism as a scheme of unfaith in humanity and divine justice.
Real Freedom
By Bishop M.A. Lalachan0JHN 8:32JHN 8:34ROM 6:221CO 10:23GAL 5:1GAL 5:13JAS 1:251PE 2:16Bishop M.A. Lalachan emphasizes the concept that freedom is a gift that can be given and taken away by the people through their choices. True freedom is found in knowing and accepting the necessary limitations of laws governing nature, society, state, morality, and freedom itself. Real freedom thrives under the structure of law, allowing individuals to be virtuous, brave, wise, and free from anxiety and fear. Responsible freedom is a value to be acquired and cultivated, with self-surrender to God being the key to true liberation. Misusing freedom leads to slavery to one's passions, as Jesus stated that those who sin are slaves to sin.
True Spiritual Liberty
By William Penn0JHN 8:36ROM 12:41CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 5:1EPH 4:31PE 2:161JN 1:7William Penn emphasizes the importance of true spiritual liberty, which is often misunderstood and misused. He stresses that Christ's liberty is obtained through His cross, leading to freedom from sin and unity with God and one another. Penn addresses questions about individual freedom in spiritual matters, highlighting the need to align personal convictions with the truth and unity of the spirit. He warns against false spiritual liberty that deviates from the perfect law of liberty and promotes disunity within the church.
Is Alcohol Use Among Christians the New Golden Calf?
By Shane Idleman0PRO 23:20LUK 7:35ROM 14:21GAL 5:131TI 3:31PE 2:16Shane Idleman addresses the delicate balance between freedom and sin, responsibility and carelessness when it comes to alcohol consumption, emphasizing the dangers of over-indulgence and its potential disqualification from leadership roles. He highlights the devastating impact of alcohol abuse on families and society, citing alarming trends of addiction among Christian leaders and the seductive nature of alcoholism in today's culture. Idleman urges for a closer examination of the spiritual implications of alcohol abuse, cautioning against flaunting liberty at the expense of God's grace and the well-being of others.
Raison D'etre
By Miles J. Stanford0PSA 62:5ISA 26:3JHN 16:33PHP 4:71PE 2:16Miles J. Stanford preaches about finding lasting peace by resting solely on the Lord Jesus Christ and not on anything within ourselves. Settled peace can only be found by relying on what the Lord Jesus has done outside of us, despite our conscious unworthiness. The Gospel's freedom should not be used to take things easy or gain in the world, as this leads to spiritual unsettlement and lack of solid peace.
Allow Me to Fall a Prey to the Wild Beasts
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 12:24ROM 12:1GAL 5:13PHP 1:201PE 2:16Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes his willingness to die for God and urges the Churches not to hinder him, desiring to become food for wild beasts to attain God. He sees himself as the wheat of God, being ground by the teeth of wild beasts to be the pure bread of God, wishing for the beasts to become his tomb. Ignatius longs to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, seeking to be a sacrifice to God through his suffering and eventual freedom in Christ, learning not to desire anything worldly while in bonds for Him.
Concerning True Liberty
By George Fox0True LibertyChristian FreedomJHN 8:36ACT 6:9ROM 6:181CO 8:92CO 3:17GAL 2:4GAL 5:1GAL 5:131PE 2:162PE 2:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of true liberty in Christ, urging believers to stand firm in their freedom while serving one another in love. He warns against using this liberty as a cover for wrongdoing and highlights the dangers of false freedom that leads to corruption. Fox references the apostolic teachings, reminding the faithful to be vigilant against those who would seek to undermine their liberty in Christ. He encourages Christians to discern between true and false liberty, ensuring their actions glorify God. Ultimately, he prays for the preservation of believers in the heavenly order of Christ.
Professor Finney's Letters to Christians No. 3.
By Charles Finney0Christian WitnessSelf-IndulgenceMAT 5:16ROM 12:1ROM 14:211CO 6:191CO 10:31GAL 5:24PHP 2:151TH 5:22JAS 4:171PE 2:16Charles Finney addresses the issue of tobacco use among Christians, emphasizing that example is a powerful teacher, often leading children to adopt habits contrary to their parents' teachings. He argues that using tobacco cannot be justified as it does not glorify God and is a form of self-indulgence that can dominate one's life, making it a sin. Finney challenges the notion that tobacco is beneficial, asserting that any perceived benefits are outweighed by the harm it causes to both the individual and society. He encourages Christians to deny themselves for the sake of others and to consider the moral implications of their actions. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live in a way that promotes the glory of God and the well-being of others.
1 Peter 2:16
By John Gill0Christian LibertyResponsibility in FreedomJHN 8:36ROM 6:181CO 10:23GAL 5:13EPH 6:5COL 3:221TI 6:1TIT 3:1HEB 13:171PE 2:16John Gill emphasizes the dual nature of freedom for converted Jews, highlighting their liberty in Christ as well as the responsibility that comes with it. While they are free from sin and the law's condemnation, this freedom does not grant them the license to sin or disregard civil authority. Instead, true freedom in Christ calls for servitude to God and obedience to earthly authorities, reflecting a life that honors both divine and civil laws. Gill warns against using Christian liberty as an excuse for malicious behavior, urging believers to act with integrity and accountability.
Part 3: Conclusion of the Treatise
By Martin Luther0ROM 3:28ROM 14:11CO 8:91CO 10:231CO 10:32GAL 5:1GAL 5:13EPH 2:8JAS 2:261PE 2:16Martin Luther concludes his treatise by emphasizing the balance between faith and works in the Christian life. He explains that while faith alone justifies a person before God, good works are necessary for serving others and subduing the body. Luther warns against seeking justification through works alone, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ's mercy. He encourages Christians to live in liberty of faith, understanding that works are done out of love for God and service to others, not for personal merit or salvation. Luther urges believers to navigate the balance between liberty in faith and respect for ceremonial traditions, showing love and consideration for both the weak in faith and the obstinate legalists.
Our High Calling in Christ
By A.B. Simpson0Identity in ChristHoliness and ObedienceMAT 6:19JHN 3:3EPH 5:11PE 1:11PE 1:141PE 2:51PE 2:91PE 2:111PE 2:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes our identity in Christ as 'strangers and pilgrims' in this world, highlighting that believers are chosen, elect, and called to a high and holy character. He explains that while we are to live in obedience and holiness, we must also maintain a childlike spirit, desiring spiritual growth and purity. Simpson further illustrates our roles as living stones in a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, called to represent God to the world. He warns against losing our separation from worldly influences, reminding us that our true home lies beyond this life. Ultimately, he encourages believers to live with a longing for their heavenly home, pressing forward in faith and obedience.
Evidence of Entire Sanctification
By Daniel Steele0ISA 43:7ROM 14:121CO 10:13GAL 5:131PE 2:16Daniel Steele preaches on the cardinal truth of Methodism, emphasizing the absolute freedom of man in his moral acts, attributing moral actions solely to man's own choices and character. He refutes theories that make God the author of sin or lead to fatalism, such as Calvinism and materialism, by highlighting the importance of consciousness in acknowledging freedom and responsibility. Steele defends Methodism against errors like materialistic pantheism and theological necessitarianism, asserting the significance of consciousness in recognizing freedom, moral sense, and the witness of the Holy Spirit to sanctification.
Amusements
By F.B. Meyer0Discernment in AmusementsImpact on OthersPRO 4:23MAT 5:16ROM 14:191CO 6:121CO 10:23GAL 5:13EPH 4:29PHP 4:8COL 3:171PE 2:16F.B. Meyer addresses the complex issue of amusements faced by Christians, drawing parallels with the struggles of the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the need for discernment in choosing activities that are lawful but not necessarily beneficial, urging believers to avoid being enslaved by any form of pleasure. Meyer highlights the importance of considering the impact of our choices on others, particularly those who may be influenced by our actions. He advocates for simple, natural pleasures that uplift the spirit and foster community, while ensuring that our amusements align with our spiritual values. Ultimately, he encourages a balanced approach to recreation that rejuvenates the soul without compromising our faith.
1 & 2 Peter Chapter 3 Our High Calling in Christ
By A.B. Simpson0Our Heavenly CallingIdentity in ChristMAT 6:19JHN 3:3EPH 5:11PE 1:11PE 1:141PE 2:51PE 2:91PE 2:111PE 2:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes our identity as believers in Christ, highlighting that we are 'strangers and pilgrims' in this world, called to a high and holy character. He explains that while we are elect and chosen by God, our election is tied to our obedience and sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Simpson encourages believers to embrace their new identity as 'living stones' and 'a holy priesthood,' reminding us that our true home is in heaven, and we should live in anticipation of our eternal calling. He warns against conforming to the world, urging us to maintain our distinctiveness as God's chosen people. Ultimately, he calls us to live with a longing for our heavenly home, reflecting on the importance of investing our lives in eternal treasures.
What Is Constitutional?
By Robert P. Jr Dugan0PRO 11:9PRO 24:23ISA 1:17MAT 22:21ACT 5:29ROM 13:11CO 10:311TI 2:11PE 2:16Robert P. Jr Dugan discusses the importance of understanding the Constitution, particularly in relation to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He highlights the misconceptions and ignorance surrounding constitutional law, emphasizing the need for clarity and knowledge in this area. Dugan delves into the historical context of the Constitution's formation, the significance of the Bill of Rights, and the evolving interpretations of the establishment clause by the Supreme Court. He also addresses the role of religion in public life, the rights of citizens to influence government, and the need for evangelicals to exercise their constitutional rights without being intimidated by arguments of separation of church and state.
The Boon of Victory
By D.L. Moody0Liberty in ChristThe Work of the Holy SpiritISA 61:1LUK 4:18JHN 8:36JHN 11:44ROM 8:211CO 12:72CO 3:17GAL 5:1HEB 10:191PE 2:16D.L. Moody emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in granting believers liberty, love, and hope, which are often stifled by formalism and criticism within the church. He laments that many Christians, though alive in Christ, remain bound by fear and criticism, preventing them from fully participating in the life of the church. Moody calls for a revival of liberty, encouraging believers to embrace their freedom in Christ and actively engage in sharing their faith without fear of judgment. He urges the church to foster an environment of love and hope, where members can freely express their faith and support one another. Ultimately, he challenges Christians to seek a life of purpose and usefulness in God's kingdom, rather than settling for a nominal existence.
Christian Liberty
By James Smith0JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ROM 6:18ROM 8:12CO 3:17GAL 5:1GAL 5:131PE 2:16James Smith preaches about the liberty we have in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that true freedom can only be found through Divine intervention as no man can free himself. He explains that in Christ, believers are liberated from sin, Satan, and the world, and have the privilege to approach God directly, appropriate His promises, and enjoy all Gospel privileges. Smith highlights that this holy and honorable liberty is perfect in its kind, urging believers not to abuse it but to use it to serve one another in love.
Epistle 362
By George Fox0Christian LibertyServing OthersACT 6:9ROM 8:211CO 8:91CO 10:29GAL 2:4GAL 5:1GAL 5:131PE 2:162PE 2:192PE 2:22George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the liberty granted by Christ, urging believers to use their freedom not for selfish desires but to serve one another in love. He warns against the dangers of false liberty that leads to corruption and encourages the faithful to be vigilant against those who would seek to undermine their freedom in Christ. Fox highlights the apostolic teachings that call for a careful and responsible exercise of this liberty, ensuring it does not become a stumbling block for others. Ultimately, he calls for a life lived in the heavenly order of Christ, filled with His spirit and power, for the glory of God.
Dangers in the Way #4 "Dangers of Bondage and Liberty"
By A.W. Tozer0Christian LibertyBondage and FreedomMAT 11:30JHN 4:24ROM 6:1ROM 14:132CO 3:17GAL 5:1GAL 5:13EPH 5:151TI 4:31PE 2:16A.W. Tozer addresses the dangers of both bondage and liberty in the Christian life, emphasizing that believers must avoid returning to the yoke of bondage from which they were freed, such as superstition and legalism. He warns against the dangers of misusing Christian liberty as a license to sin, stressing that true freedom in Christ is the ability to live righteously and love others without the constraints of external traditions or fears. Tozer encourages Christians to embrace their identity as children of God, living in the Spirit and exercising their freedom responsibly, while also being mindful of how their actions may affect others. He concludes by affirming that the yoke of Jesus is easy and His burden is light, urging believers to stand firm in their freedom without falling back into bondage.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As free - The Jews pretended that they were a free people, and owed allegiance to God alone; hence they were continually rebelling against the Roman government, to which God had subjected them because of their rebellion against him: thus they used their liberty for a cloak of maliciousness - for a pretext of rebellion, and by it endeavored to vindicate their seditious and rebellious conduct. But as the servants of God - These were free from sin and Satan, but they were the servants of God - bound to obey him; and, as he had made it their duty to obey the civil magistrate, they served God by submitting to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As free--as "the Lord's freemen," connected with Pe1 2:15, doing well as being free. "Well-doing" (Pe1 2:15) is the natural fruit of being freemen of Christ, made free by "the truth" from the bondage of sin. Duty is enforced on us to guard against licentiousness, but the way in which it is to be fulfilled, is by love and the holy instincts of Christian liberty. We are given principles, not details. not using--Greek, "not as having your liberty for a veil (cloak) of badness, but as the servants of God," and therefore bound to submit to every ordinance of man (Pe1 2:13) which is of God's appointment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Honour all men,.... To whom honour is due, according to the place, station, and circumstances in which they are, the gifts of providence and grace bestowed on them, and the usefulness they are of, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor, believers or unbelievers: it is a saying of Ben Zoma (e), "who is to be honoured, or is worthy of honour , "he that honoureth creatures"; meaning men in general, or the Gentiles particularly, who were sometimes so called by the Jews; See Gill on Mar 16:15, and may be meant by "all men" here: love the brotherhood; or "your brethren", as the Syriac version renders it: the whole company of the brethren in Christ, who are born of God, are members of Christ, and of the same body, and have the same spirit, belong to the same family, and are of the household of faith, let them be of whatsoever nation, or in whatsoever circumstances of life. The Jews had not that good opinion of, nor that affection for the Gentiles, but were ready to treat them with indifference, neglect, and contempt; and not only those that knew not God, but even believing Gentiles themselves; and which is the reason of these exhortations, that they should despise no man, but honour all; and especially should express their love, both by words and deeds, to those that were in the same spiritual relation with them, and that without any difference, on account of their being of another nation: fear God; not with a servile, but a filial fear, the new covenant grace of fear; which springs from the goodness of God, has that for its object, and is increased by the fresh instances and discoveries of it; and which shows itself in a reverential affection for God, a strict regard to his worship and ordinances, and a carefulness of offending him. This is placed between what goes before, and follows after, to show the influence it has on each of them; for where the fear of God is, there will be due respect shown to all men, more or less, and an hearty and affectionate love to all the saints, as brethren, and a proper regard to those that are set in high places of dignity and power: honour the king; Caesar, the Roman emperor, though a wicked, persecuting Nero, and so any other king or governor; who, so far as he acts the part of a civil magistrate, preserves the peace, the property, and liberty of his subjects, is a terror to evil works, and an encourager of good ones, and rules according to the laws of God, and civil society, is deserving of great honour and esteem from men; and which is to be shown by speaking well of him; by a cheerful subjection to him; by an observance of the laws, and by payment of tribute, and doing everything to make him easy, and honourable in his government: advice much like this is given by Isocrates (f), "fear God, honour parents, revere friends, and obey the laws. (e) Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 1. (f) Paraen. ad Demos Orat. 1.