Fear God, Honor The Emperor

Emperor Nero (AD 37–68)
Roman Emperor | Reigned AD 54–68
 • Became Emperor: AD 54 at age 16 (adopted heir of Claudius)
 • Early Rule: Initially stable under advisors Seneca and Burrus
 • Killed His Mother: Agrippina in AD 59 (age 21) - 1 Peter written in this time
 • Great Fire of Rome: AD 64 (Nero age 26)
 • First Major Christian Persecution: After the fire, Christians scapegoated and executed (Tacitus)
 • Likely Context for Peter & Paul’s Martyrdom: Mid-to-late 60s
 • Death: Suicide in AD 68 (age 30) after losing Senate and military suppor

Legacy: Became a lasting symbol of tyrannical empire and persecution in early Christian memory. Known for his Artistic obsession, political paranoia, and increasing brutality.


The political structure
 1. Emperor (Princeps / Augustus / Dominus)
  • Nero held ultimate authority—military, judicial, and religious.
  • Could issue laws, execute citizens, control the army.
  • Power was personal, not constitutional.
 2. Senate
  • Still existed and had prestige.
  • Could advise and vote, but real power depended on the emperor’s favor.
  • Senators could be executed if they displeased the emperor.
 3. Assemblies
  • Ancient Roman citizen assemblies still existed on paper.
  • In practice, they were rubber-stamps for imperial policies.
 4. Provincial governors
  • Controlled provinces with local military power.
  • Answered directly to the emperor.


He used terror as entertainment
After the Great Fire (AD 64), Nero blamed Christians and inflicted grotesque punishments.

Tacitus describes:
 • Christians torn apart by dogs
 • Crucified many Christians
 • Christians Burned alive as human torches in Nero’s gardens

Even allowing for Tacitus’ bias, the persecution itself is widely accepted as real.
This is depravity in the form of state-sponsored sadism.

1 Peter 2:13-16


Romans 13:1-2


The WILL of God is to do in the face of EVERYONE.

1 Peter 2:16-17


τιμάω (timaō) - Honor, Show Respect, Give Recognition (Honor Others, Honor the Emperor)

ἀγαπάω (agapaō) - Show Unconditional Love

φοβέομαι (phobeomai) - Fear, Deep Respect, Profound Reverence


JESUS SAID IT LIKE THIS…

    28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
    —Matthew 10:28

    See also - Prov 1:7, 9:10, Ecc. 12:13, 1 Peter 1:17


HONOR all men and FEAR only God.

1 Peter 2:18-21


The GOSPEL creates people who do not return EVIL for EVIL


Our Example

1 Peter 22:22-25

John 19:10-11


Takeaway: Christ-Followers FEAR God and TRUST His plan.


LET’S GET PRACTICAL
1) Focus on eternity - We are passing through.
2) Pray for those in authority - God allowed them to have their positions.
3) Act differently than the world - We are salt and light
4) Endure suffering - God has a plan
5) Vote - We have rights, use them.
6) Share Christ Always - Don’t be stagnant because of freedom.