1 Peter 2:14

14 Obey the governors. The king sends them to punish those who do wrong. He also sends them to praise those who do right.

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1 Peter 2:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 2:14

Or unto governors
Inferior magistrates, such as were under the Roman emperor; as proconsuls, procurators such as Pontius Pilate, Felix, and Festus, who had under the emperor the government of particular nations, provinces, and cities:

as unto them that are sent by him;
either by the king, the Roman emperor, by whom they were sent, from whom they received their commission, and derived their authority, under whom they acted, and to whom they were accountable; or by God, by whom they are ordained, and whose ministers they are, and for the ends hereafter mentioned; so that this contains an argument or reason why they should be submitted to:

for the punishment of evildoers;
the breakers of the laws of God and men, on whom punishment is to be inflicted, by the civil magistrates, for the breach of them, by lines, scourgings, imprisonment, and death itself, according as the crimes are:

and for the praise of them that do well;
who behave according to the laws of God and nations, and are obedient to magistrates, and subject to every ordinance; these have praise of men, of magistrates, and are rewarded by them; by protecting their persons, defending their properties, and preserving them in the peaceable enjoyment of their estates and possessions; see ( Romans 13:3 ) .

1 Peter 2:14 In-Context

12 People who don't believe might say you are doing wrong. But lead good lives among them. Then they will see your good works. And they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge.
13 Follow the lead of every human authority. Do it because the Lord wants you to. Obey the king. He is the highest authority.
14 Obey the governors. The king sends them to punish those who do wrong. He also sends them to praise those who do right.
15 By doing good you will put a stop to the talk of foolish people. They don't know what they are saying. God wants you to stop them.
16 Live like free people. But don't use your freedom to cover up evil. Live like people who serve God.
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