The book ends with a greeting: "She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings." (5:13)
There are believers in many different places that they don't want to be.
Five verses in the middle of the book (2:13 - 17), show how what Peter wrote and God requires are the following.
- "Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors" (2:13-14a)
- do good, and by doing good you put to silence ignorant talk. (2:15)
- live free and live as a servant of God (2:16)
- honor everyone (2:17a)
- love the brotherhood (2:17b)
- fear God (2:17c)
- honor the emperor (2:17d)
While 2:18 is specifically about servants and masters, it includes a good, but hard, reminder. "Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
We must remember to prepare ourselves to provide these responses in challenging situations like an election.
We must remember to prepare ourselves to provide these responses in challenging situations like an election.
Resolve in your mind to do the right thing. (Daniel 2:1)
Always be prepared to defend yourself against anyone who asks about your hope. (1 Peter 3:15).
