The Relationship Between Submission and Criticism

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

Introduction

The Bible, particularly the New Testament, provides guidance on how Christians should interact with various institutions and authorities. One of the most debated topics is the concept of submission, as discussed in 1 Peter. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of submission in the context of Christian institutions and examine the claim that believers should submit to every Christian institution to silence the unfounded criticism of unbelievers.

The Context of 1 Peter

1 Peter is a book of the New Testament that provides guidance on how Christians should live their lives in a world filled with persecution and criticism. The author, traditionally believed to be Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith and to live according to God's will. In chapter 2, verse 13-17, Peter writes:

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, as those appointed by him to carry out their will, or to judges, as those appointed by the governor to administer justice, or to the emperor as his representative and God's servant. Give everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Love the brotherhood deeply and honor those who rule over you with reverence, considering always that they are watching over you as those who will give an account. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are a slave or free."

The Meaning of Submission

Submission, in this context, means to acknowledge and respect the authority of those in power, whether it be the emperor, governors, judges, or other leaders. It involves giving them what is due to them, whether it be taxes, respect, or honor. Submission is not about blindly following authority, but rather about recognizing the role that these individuals play in maintaining order and justice in society.

The Purpose of Submission

So, why is submission so important in the context of Christian institutions? According to Peter, submission is necessary to silence the unfounded criticism of unbelievers. In a world where Christians are often viewed with suspicion and hostility, submission to authority can help to demonstrate that Christians are law-abiding citizens who respect the institutions of society.

The Relationship Between Submission and Criticism

The idea that submission to authority can silence criticism is rooted in the concept of "rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's." In other words, Christians should pay their taxes, respect their leaders, and follow the laws of the land, not because they are obligated to do so, but because they recognize the role that these institutions play in maintaining order and justice.

The Limits of Submission

While submission to authority is an important aspect of Christian living, it is not without limits. Christians are called to submit to authority, but they are not called to compromise their values or principles. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their integrity or values in order to appease those in power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that believers should submit to every Christian institution in order to silence the unfounded criticism of unbelievers is rooted in the concept of submission as discussed in 1 Peter. While submission to authority is an important aspect of Christian living, it is not without limits. Christians are called to submit to authority, but they are not called to compromise their values or principles. By understanding the meaning and purpose of submission, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

The Importance of Context

When interpreting the Bible, it is essential to consider the context in which the text was written. In the case of 1 Peter, the author is writing to a community of believers who are facing persecution and criticism. The context of the letter is one of encouragement and guidance, rather than a call to blind obedience.

The Role of Authority in Society

Authority plays a crucial role in maintaining order and justice in society. Whether it be the emperor, governors, judges, or other leaders, these individuals are responsible for upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens. Christians are called to respect and submit to these authorities, not because they are obligated to do so, but because they recognize the role that these institutions play in maintaining order and justice.

The Relationship Between Submission and Faith

Submission to authority is not a substitute for faith. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their integrity or values in order to appease those in power. Rather, they should live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

The Limits of Human Authority

While human authority is important, it is not without limits. Christians are called to submit to authority, but they are not called to compromise their values or principles. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their integrity or values in order to appease those in power.

The Importance of Integrity

Integrity is essential for Christians who are called to live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values. By living with integrity, Christians can demonstrate their commitment to their values and principles, even in the face of criticism or persecution.

The Role of Faith in Submission

Faith plays a crucial role in submission to authority. Christians are called to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when they are faced with difficult circumstances or criticism. By trusting in God, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

The Relationship Between Submission and Love

Submission to authority is not a substitute for love. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should love the brotherhood deeply and honor those who rule over them with reverence. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their love for others in order to appease those in power.

The Limits of Love

While love is essential for Christians, it is not without limits. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves, but they are not called to compromise their values or principles in order to do so. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their integrity or values in order to appease those in power.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of submission in Christian institutions, as discussed in 1 Peter. We examined the meaning and purpose of submission, as well as its relationship to criticism and authority. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about submission in Christian institutions.

Q: What is the purpose of submission in Christian institutions?

A: The purpose of submission in Christian institutions is to demonstrate respect and obedience to those in authority, while also maintaining one's integrity and values. By submitting to authority, Christians can show that they are law-abiding citizens who respect the institutions of society.

Q: Is submission to authority a substitute for faith?

A: No, submission to authority is not a substitute for faith. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their integrity or values in order to appease those in power.

Q: What are the limits of submission to authority?

A: The limits of submission to authority are set by one's values and principles. Christians are called to submit to authority, but they are not called to compromise their values or principles. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not people.

Q: How can Christians balance submission to authority with their values and principles?

A: Christians can balance submission to authority with their values and principles by living with integrity and faith. By trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

Q: What is the relationship between submission and love?

A: Submission to authority is not a substitute for love. In fact, Peter writes that Christians should love the brotherhood deeply and honor those who rule over them with reverence. This means that Christians should not sacrifice their love for others in order to appease those in power.

Q: How can Christians demonstrate their love for others while submitting to authority?

A: Christians can demonstrate their love for others while submitting to authority by living with integrity and faith. By trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

Q: What are some examples of submission to authority in Christian institutions?

A: Some examples of submission to authority in Christian institutions include:

Paying taxes and respecting the authority of the government
Respecting the authority of teachers and educators in schools
Submitting to the authority of employers and managers in the workplace
Respecting the authority of law enforcement and emergency responders

Q: How can Christians maintain their integrity and values while submitting to authority?

A: Christians can maintain their integrity and values while submitting to authority by living with faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence. By trusting in God, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about submission to authority in Christian institutions?

A: Some common misconceptions about submission to authority in Christian institutions include:

Thinking that submission to authority means blind obedience
Believing that submission to authority is a substitute for faith
Assuming that submission to authority means compromising one's values and principles

Conclusion

In conclusion, submission to authority in Christian institutions is an important aspect of Christian living. By understanding the meaning and purpose of submission, Christians can live out their faith in a way that is respectful, law-abiding, and faithful to their values. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to have provided a clearer understanding of submission in Christian institutions.