1 Peter 2:13

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man The precept, like those of Romans 13:1-7, points to this as the line of action which the circumstances of the time made most important, in order that the character of Christ's disciples might be vindicated against the widely-spread suspicion that they were elements of disorder. The word for "ordinance," usually translated "creature," may possibly have that sense here. So taken, the counsel would stand parallel to the "honour all men" of 1 Peter 2:17, to the "be ye subject one to another" of ch. 1 Peter 5:5, and would express the thought that the Christian was to act and speak as a "servus servorum," submitting himself, as far as God's law would allow, even to the meanest. Against this view, however, it may be urged that "every human creature" would be a somewhat awkward periphrasis for "all men," and that the subdivision that follows points to something more specific. On the whole, therefore, there seems sufficient reason for accepting the English Version, and taking the word in the sense which it will well bear of "ordinance," or better, perhaps, institution. The obedience which is thus enjoined is to be rendered not through fear of punishment but "for the Lord's sake," partly as remembering His example (1 Peter 2:21-22), partly in zeal for the honour of His name, lest that also be "blasphemed among the Gentiles" (Romans 2:24).

whether it be to the king, as supreme The adjective is the same as in the "higherpowers" of Romans 13:1. The "king" is of course the Emperor Nero, the Greek language not supplying a word with the full significance of the Roman Imperator. So we have prayers for "kings," obviously including the Emperor, in 1 Timothy 2:2. The "Governors" include the Pro-consuls or Pro-praetors of Roman provinces, and all officials such as the town-clerk of Ephesus, the Asiarchs, and other municipal authorities. (Acts 19:31; Acts 19:35; Acts 19:38.)