The Christian Under Human Government (4) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Fear God. Honor the emperor.
1 Peter 2:17

The Christian Under Human Government (4)
Emperor Nero had the apostle Peter executed approximately a year before the same happened to Paul. As a Roman citizen, the apostle Paul was beheaded by the sword. Peter, not being a Roman citizen, was crucified upside-down as he had requested, according to ancient reports. Before their execution, both apostles had been led by God's Spirit to teach all believers to submit to the authorities. This rule applied to them, just as they had taught, and it is still valid today. "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor" ).

We are living in the age of grace, in which we follow our Lord's example. When suffering wrongfully, yet always subject to the authorities, He asked His Father to forgive those who mistreated Him. This is the right attitude that we need to keep a good conscience.

Alfred E. Bouter