This question was not popular among the candidates and most of these candidates preached rather than answering the questions. This made them to lose some of the obtainable marks. Candidates should have responded to the question thus:
(a) PETER’S EXHORTATION TO CHRISTIANS PETER 2:13 – 17)
- Peter exhorts Christians to obey every human institution for the Lord’s sake.
- He urged them to submit, whether to the kings or the governors.
- For it is God’s will that by doing good, they will silence the ignorance of the foolish men.
- Peter urged the Christians to live as free men from the curse of the law.
- They should not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil.
- Their submission to authority does not negate their Christian liberty.
- They are to live as servants of God.
- Christians should, therefore, respect every man, love the brotherhood, fear God and honour the emperor/leader.
- Peter advised Christians that as aliens and exiles, they should abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against their soul.
(b) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PETER’S EXHORTATION
- Authorities are ordained by God.
- Christians are obliged to obey civil authority.
- Obedience to civil authority brings about order in the society.
- Christians’ attitude must portray Christ.
- Christians are called to use wisdom and restraint; to be discerning and not overpowering.
- Christians should have love for the nation and its legitimate institutions.
- Christians should pray for the leaders of the nation.
- They should be selfless/have love for others.
- They should live in peace with one another.
- They should never be a party to any subversive movements.
