“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men–“
For this is the will of God
Non-Christians slandered Christians for their lack of allegiance to the Roman government. Peter now states God’s will for handling these false accusations.
The will of God is the most compelling reason for doing anything. Obedience to government is part of the will of God for the child of God.
that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
Critics seek to impugn the motives of Christians. However, outstanding comportment within government order shuts the mouth of the critics.
“Put to silence” means muzzle. Integrity muzzles the mouths of the critics. They love to bite with criticism, but integrity will restrain them every time.
“Foolish men” here are non-Christians. Their “ignorance” was verbal abuse against Christians for their faith, not torture or death. Believers still enjoyed the protection of the judicial system of Rome at this time.
PRINCIPLE:
A good testimony shuts the mouths of our critics.
APPLICATION:
Some critics of Christians say that we are of no earthly good. They know what we are against, but they do not know the things we affirm.
God wants us to live out Christian principles irrespective of foolish men for the highest reasons. It is amazing how many Christians are intimidated by what people say about them. That means they are in slavery to criticism.
We cannot accept the privileges of the state without accepting the responsibilities of living in the state. Citizenship is the bond that holds man to his political order. The best answer to our accusers is an upright life as a citizen.
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