FOURFOLD OBLIGATION
“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (1Pet.2:17). In this one passage we have a fourfold obligation. First, we are to “honor all people.” The word “honor” translates a Greek word that denotes value. Thus, we are to esteem our fellowman as valuable. When we value each other’s life then we will not abuse, mistreat, and belittle one another. Remember the value that God placed upon “all people”- Jesus “…tasted death for everyone” (Heb.2:9). Second, we are to “love the brotherhood.” The word “love” denotes genuine respect and care for its objects. The object of our love is “the brotherhood.” The term “brotherhood” simply means “a family of brothers” or a “fraternity.” A fraternity is defined as “a body of people associated for a common purpose or interest.” The common interests we share in Christ should stimulate genuine respect and care among God’s children. Remember, “love” is the criterion by which we are to be recognized as Jesus’ disciples. Third, we are to “fear God.” The word “fear” translates a Greek word that means, “to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience.” We must recognize that God is the greatest Being in existence and that His power is unlimited. When men realize their life is depended upon God and that He is never to be offended, then the reverence will come. And fourth, we are to “honor the king.” The word “honor” in this obligation is the same as the first, where we are told to “honor all people.” Why mention “the king” specifically? And, who is “the king?” Is it Christ? Though Jesus is “King of kings,” the “king” in our text is likely a reference to the Roman Emperor. Christians are to recognize the civil authorities as God-ordained and respect them. While the Roman Emperors were not always honest and morally pure in their lifestyles and governing practices, yet, Christians were to value their civil position and pray that they would serve well the people – “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1Tim.2:1,2). It is “godliness and reverence” [“righteousness”] that exalts nations (Prov.14:34). Dear reader, let us heed the fourfold obligation that God has given Christians to obey.