Refugee Crises, Submission to Authority and 1 Peter: Did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Get it Wrong?

In 1 Peter 2:13-17, the author provides guidance to Judeo-Christians subject to Roman rule in regards to respecting and submitting to authority.  Although there is question as to authorship and the possibility of 1 Peter... [ view full abstract ]

In 1 Peter 2:13-17, the author provides guidance to Judeo-Christians subject to Roman rule in regards to respecting and submitting to authority.  Although there is question as to authorship and the possibility of 1 Peter reflecting a baptismal sermon, it is clear that the author was addressing a people still trying to gain a grasp of what it means to be Christian.  Both ironically and problematically citing Old Testament texts, while conveying an ideology opposing that of the three fearless Israelites standing against Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, 1 Peter suggests that Christians ought to respect and honor everyone for the Lord’s sake.  However, this creates a problem for the contemporary Christian reader: how does one grapple with blending faith into a society in which submission to authority stands in conflict with commandments of love, compassion and tenderheartedness?  

The implications of both the text and the reader's interpretation can be seen in the present political sphere's dichotomy between the refugee crises and foreign policy, as the text seems to suggest different codes of conduct for migrants and those with citizenship status.  In this paper, I will recall the story of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in Daniel 3:16-17, call attention to the codes of conduct found in 1 Peter 2:13-17, and discuss the ethical implications of the interpretations of these texts.