(a) What did Peter mean when he referred to Christians as a chosen race?
(b) How did he expect them to behave to civil authorities?
(a) The Jews always regarded themselves as descendants of Abram; as God's chosen people. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to recognize the place of Jesus in God's plan for man's salvation and therefore, they rejected him as the son of God. Their privileged position was, therefore, transferred to those who, through faith, believe in Jesus. Peter, therefore, admonished the believers in their new status, to remember that they were formerly no people in the sight of, God, but owing to their belief and faith through Jesus, they become children of God. Peter, therefore, cautioned that they should henceforth maintain good conduct among the Gentiles or unbelievers, so that, in case the latter spoke against them as wrong doers, they might see their good works and glorify God.
(b) Peter expects Christians to subject themselves to civil authority and institutions for the Lord's sake, for God has set them up to punish wrong doers and praise those who do right. It is God's will that by doing right, they would put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men. He also teaches that as men who live under the freedom of Christ, they should not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil. As servants of God, they should honour all men, love the Christian brotherhood, fear God and honour the emperor (king). Finally, as Christian servants, they should be submissive to their earthly masters in all respects. God approves of those who, being mindful of God, endure pain while suffering unjustly.
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