Epistle of 1 Peter

This letter was written by the apostle Peter with the help of Silas (1 Pet 5:12), which probably accounts for the polished Greek used in the letter.  Where John is known as the apostle of love; Paul, the apostle of faith; Peter is known as the apostle of hope.  And he began his letter by telling us that God has given us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1:3).  That despite the terrible persecution and suffering taking place, he encouraged the believers to respond based on their salvation, characterized by humble submission and godly conduct.

The outline of his letter is as follows:
1.  Salvation for the believer (1 - 2:12)
2.  Submission of the believer (2:13 - 3:12)
3.  Persecution of the believer (3:13 - 5:14)

The theme of submission extends from the state to the home.
State: kings, governors, etc. (2:13)
Workplace: masters, employers, etc. (2:18)
Home: Wives to husbands, who should love their wives (3:1,7; Eph 5:25); chidren are to submit to parents (Eph 6:1-3).

Peter made the point that we should submit to authority even if they're harsh in their treatment towards us (2:18-19).  This is not an easy thing to do because human nature tends towards self-preservation; and the natural consequence is to retaliate to preserve our pride and dignity. However, he held up Christ as our role model of suffering who though innocent, endured insults and beatings thrown at him without retaliating (2:21-23). Ultimately, God would be the judge and vindicator of all things (2:24). So when we have done good and yet have to suffer for it, count it a privilege to suffer for Christ's sake.

On the other hand, if we have done evil then the natural consequence of punishment and suffering that ensued is our just deserts (2:20). Those in authority have been placed there by God for a purpose. Their job is to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right (2:14).  In this way, law and order would prevent any society from degenerating into anarchy.  It is imperative therefore, as believers, we pray for our government leaders as exhorted by Paul (1 Tim 2:1-2).  In this way, we may live in peace and harmony, doing the Lord's work unhindered.

Submission is a key test for leadership in the church.  If we're unable to submit to earthly authority, we would not be able to submit to divine authority.  Jesus mentioned that those who have been faithful with a few things would be put in charge of many things later (Mt 25:21,23). The only exception to submission is when the authority prohibit us from worshipping God or proclaiming Him name (Ac 5:27-29).