13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution , whether to a king as the one in authority , 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right . 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men . 16 Act as free men , and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil , but use it as bondslaves of God . 17 Honor all people , love the brotherhood , fear God , honor the king .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17
Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17
(Read 1 Peter 2:13-17)
A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God.