Freedom: Peter underscores the underlying attitude with which we are to submit to governing authorities. We submit ourselves as freemen[1] and not as slaves of the state. This freedom, however, is not total independence or total autonomy. We are still “bondslaves of God.” We serve our divine Master, and since our Master has command that we submit to governing authorities, we do so out of service to Him, not out of servility to human authorities. The position of supreme authority belongs only to God and God alone. We don’t grovel before kings or governors. Our devotion and worship are toward God only.[2]
Perspective: Peter also gives us the proper framework for viewing human authorities. We honor/value them as creatures, as human beings[3] set apart from rest of creation as bearers of the image of God.[4] This means no demigods exist in the biblical worldview. All men in positions of government are mere men like the rest. What sets them apart is their God-given position, but nothing more than that. They are all mere men. Peter also calls for greater passions toward God and brethren. Love is the Christian passion we reserve for the church of God (1:22; 4:8; 5:14), and fear is that holy passion we save for God and God alone.[5] We may defy human authorities, if need be, but we never defy God. We fear no man, not even the king/emperor; but we fear God.
[1] This should not be confused with the freedom of “unalienable rights” of the Declaration of Independence, but the freedom that comes from redemption in Christ, namely, freedom from sin and the Spirit-empowered ability to obey our one true Lord and Master (John 8:32; Rom. 6:7, 17-18, 22; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4).
[2] Cf. Ex. 20:3; Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:10; Rom. 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 8:6.
[3] This is what Peter underscored at the beginning of this section (2:13) when he described human figures of authority as “creatures [ktisis (κτίσις)].” This is the term translated in the NASB as “institutions.”
[4] According to Scripture, this is what all human beings are, God’s image bearers (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6; James 3:9).
[5] Cf. 1:17; 3:14. Cf. also Prov. 9:10; Rom. 3:18; 2 Cor. 5:11; 7:1; Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:12; 1 Tim. 5:20.