14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
14 they are God's emissaries for keeping order.
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:14
Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17
(Read 1 Peter 2:13-17)
A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God.