Peter tells the churches of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythinia that they need to honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17). On the one hand, his words have been taken as a resounding endorsement of this or that government, giving authorities a carte blanche to do as they please. On the other hand, Peter has been criticized for caving to imperial propaganda.
I don’t think either of those things are true. Peter must tell the churches to honor the emperor because everything else he has said about what it means to be a Christian—that the church is a holy nation, a royal priesthood, God’s chosen nation sojourning here, there, and everywhere—might have suggested they do otherwise.
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at Midtown KC where I’m an Overseer. It’s a young church with a lot of Spirit-empowered vision to reach Kansas City with the love of Jesus. The YouTube is below. You can also listen to the audio here.
Give a listen, give it a watch. Let me know what you think.
And if you’re in the KC area without a church, consider finding home at Midtown.
You maintain honorable conduct with me even though I do not share your faith. I love that. I had never heard of Nerds. I shall abstain.