As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
16 As free This is said by way of anticipation, that he might obviate those things which are usually objected to with regard to the liberty of God’s children. For as men are naturally ingenious in laying hold on what may be for their advantage, many, at the commencement of the Gospel, thought themselves free to live only for themselves.
Christians were slandered as seditionists, so the apostle settles Christian duty to magistrates clearly: submit to every human institution, whether king or provincial governor, because God ordained magistracy for the good of mankind. Obey not from fear of the rod but from conscience toward the Lord who requires it and whose honor depends on our subjection.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Peter 2:13-25
Honour all men,.... To whom honour is due, according to the place, station, and circumstances in which they are, the gifts of providence and grace bestowed on them, and the usefulness they are of, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor, believers or unbelievers: it is a saying of Ben Zoma (e), "who is to be honoured, or is worthy of honour...