1 Peter 2:15: For This Is The Will Of God, That By Doing Good You Should Put To Silence The Ignorance Of Foolish People.

1 Peter 2:15

[15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (ESV)

In the last few verses we have seen that God wants us to subject ourselves to earthly authority. This is particularly difficult when that earthly authority is very ungodly and corrupt. Nevertheless, this is our calling. Here in verse 15, the Apostle Peter shows us the reason for our submissive behavior, which challenges us to the very core.

We subject ourselves to authority because it is God's will. Our good behavior, in spite of unreasonable demands placed on us by earthly authority, silences those who criticize us. Remember, Peter writes to people who were a part of this very new thing called Christianity. The pagan Roman Empire did not always look kindly on the church.

Christians were accused of all kinds of things that were simply false. Many of the criticisms were intended to portray Christians as being a rebel group that in some way was trying to overthrow Rome. Ironically, the Jews were upset with Jesus because he chose not to rebel against Rome. Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17).

I am sure that as Peter wrote these words he was reminded of the fact that when Jesus was questioned by Priests, and Elders, and even Pilate, he did not answer a word in his defense. This is our model. God will ultimately vindicate us. There are many who will bring false accusation. Our good behavior, honorable for God, is intended to silence fools.

You will likely be criticized today. Keep your eyes on Jesus and do good to those who criticize. Allow your enemies to realize their folly as they see you lovingly obey the Savior.