1Pe 2:13-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Pet 2:13-3:7: 2:13–3:7 This section revolves around the key phrase submit to all human authority , which Peter applies to several relationships: Christians should accept the authority of those in government (2:13-17 ), Christian slaves should accept the authority of their masters (2:18-25 ), and Christian wives should accept the authority of their husbands (3:1-6 ). Peter seems to be following an early Christian usage of the traditional household code, in which a series of instructions was given for different members of the household (cp. Eph 5:21–6:9 ; Col 3:18–4:1 ; 1 Tim 5:1–6:2 ; Titus 2:1-10 ). 2:13 In Peter’s day, the king was the Roman emperor. Christians were suffering in the hands of the state and would soon suffer more intensely under Nero.

a2:13–3:7►

b2:13-17►

c2:18-25►

d3:1-6►

eEph 5:21–6:9►

fCol 3:18–4:1►

g1 Tim 5:1–6:2►

hTitus 2:1-10►

i2:13►

j2:14►

kRom 13:3-4►

l2:17►

mMatt 22:21►

‏ 1 Peter 2:13-17

Summary for 1Pet 2:13-3:7: 2:13–3:7 ^a This section revolves around the key phrase submit to all human authority, which Peter applies to several relationships: Christians should accept the authority of those in government (2:13-17 ^b), Christian slaves should accept the authority of their masters (2:18-25 ^c), and Christian wives should accept the authority of their husbands (3:1-6 ^d). Peter seems to be following an early Christian usage of the traditional household code, in which a series of instructions was given for different members of the household (cp. Eph 5:21–6:9 ^e; Col 3:18–4:1 ^f; 1 Tim 5:1–6:2 ^g; Titus 2:1-10 ^h). 2:13 ⁱ In Peter’s day, the king was the Roman emperor. Christians were suffering in the hands of the state and would soon suffer more intensely under Nero.
2:14 ^j to punish those who do wrong and honor those who do right: Cp. Rom 13:3-4 ^k.
2:17 ^l the family of believers: Literally the brotherhood; see study note on 5:9.

• Fear God, and respect the king: Peter might be reflecting on Jesus’ balanced statement about the Christian’s duty to both God and the government (see Matt 22:21 ^m).