The First Letter from Peter commands slaves to submit (2:18) and “in the same way” wives to submit (3:1). Why does the bible contain this language? Especially laid alongside Paul’s language, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female” (Gal 3:28).

First, what is the occasion for writing 1Peter? The early church is facing persecution. Tradition holds that Peter was writing from prison. He would soon be executed (crucified at the emperor’s orders, though upside down at Peter’s request — for he was not worthy to die in the manner of Jesus). Now there is debate if Peter wrote this letter. Most think Silvannus (Greek for Silas) penned the letter (see 5:12). But whether Peter wrote, dictated, or simply influenced is beyond the point. The recipients believed Peter was behind the words. So, this letter comes to a persecuted church from a leader experiencing even greater difficulty.

Second, before commanding slaves and wives, Peter urges the church to “submit to every human authority”. Specifically to the Emperor and Governors. The very people who have jailed Peter and executed other followers. Peter must have known that death was a real possibility for himself.

Now, legally, the emperor could execute Christians. He could behead Paul (a citizen) and crucify Peter (non-citizen). BUT, that does not make the Emperor morally right. We can say with confidence the Emperor was far from following God in executing believers. Instead he was following the powers of evil. STILL, Peter urges the church to submit.

Apply this to slaves and wives. Peter’s call to submit does not mean slavery is moral nor that patriarchy (men dominating women) is God’s plan. But both of these, just as Roman dictatorship, were a part of first century society. To refuse them would be to invite violence. To stop them would require revolt. Peter explains that the Church has a different priority.

Peter spells it out clearly, we submit “that they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (2:12, also v15) and that they “may be won over” to the gospel (3:1).

The priority of the church is to bring people to salvation. Peter calls us to let go of our own rights, acting like Jesus, to save the lost.

But at the same time Peter points beyond this world’s ways toward moral truth. To husbands, Peter says their wives “are heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.” In the first century women were not the heirs of any gift if there was a son. But the Kingdom of God does not act like Rome. When the crucified Savior is Lord daughters are heirs to the King!

Peter declares that we are “foreigners and exiles” (2:11**) in this world. Our home is so very different. We long for that home, but here our work is to bring all people to grace. Not an act of force, but like our savior, we love.

Still, when given the opportunity, we also work to make this place more like our home. Today we are blessed to live in freedom, so we refuse to embrace slavery or patriarchy. Instead we live out Galatians 3:28, empowering all races and genders to be God’s Chosen.

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** “Aliens and Strangers”, the NAS translation of 2:11, is our Lent theme. Each week we consider how we can live with Jesus as Lord, following his way — THE way! Consider joining us this Sunday at 10:30.