8/27/25

1 Peter 2:17 NASB95 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Peter, in this chapter, is telling believers how they should live. In this section, he starts with being submissive to human institutions. However, he doesn't desire you to do this for their sake but instead for the Lord's sake! He says doing so is the will of God. He then gives us our text. Honor all people. Even those people who are leading earthly institutions in ways that follow Satan instead of Christ should be shown and given honor by believers. To honor means to give value/dignity to. We are to follow Christ's example, who honored us, as scripture says Philippians 2:6-8 NASB95, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

And Romans 5:8 NASB95 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

What a value and dignity Jesus bestowed on us even as we lived in sin. He thought us worthy of His death. He gave us honor although we are undeserving, and Peter says we are to do the same to ALL people.

Then he tells us to "love the brotherhood." Peter, who is familiar with Christ's use of the different words meaning love, uses the word agape here. Christ had asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" in John chapter 21. Twice, Jesus said to Simon, Do you love (Agape) me? Peter responded both times Yes, Lord, I love (phileo) you. The third time, Jesus says Do you love (phileo) me? Peter again responded Yes, I love (phileo) you. If you are not familiar with these two terms then let me explain them to you. Agape or agapao is a perfect, unconditional, moral, and spiritual love; it is a Godly love. While phileo is a more fondness, affection, and emotional love found between brothers and in mortal beings. Jesus was saying, Peter, you need to have a Godly love. Peter is saying to believers Don't just phileo your brothers, lost people can do that, but followers of Christ need to agape your brothers!

Then he says, "Fear God." We should have a healthy respect, awe, reverence, and fear of God. The respect, awe, and reverence are for who He is. The fear is of His wrath.

If we give value to ALL people and agape our brothers and have a true reverential fear of God and His wrath, then we will be the followers Christ calls us to be. Which is people who desire salvation for ALL people.

Lastly, Peter says, honor, (give value) to the king. Show the worldly government leaders the respect of having value as they have been placed in a position that has value. No matter who they are. The thoughts you have for them personally should not affect the respect or worth you show them in their position.

Peter says followers of Christ, this is who you should be.

Are we living according to the perfect word of God?

Love Bro. Scott