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Selected Verse: 1 Peter 2:14 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
1Pe 2:14 |
King James |
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. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
governors--subordinate to the emperor, "sent," or delegated by CÃ&brvbr;sar to preside over the provinces.
for the punishment--No tyranny ever has been so unprincipled as that some appearance of equity was not maintained in it; however corrupt a government be, God never suffers it to be so much so as not to be better than anarchy [CALVIN]. Although bad kings often oppress the good, yet that is scarcely ever done by public authority (and it is of what is done by public authority that Peter speaks), save under the mask of right. Tyranny harasses many, but anarchy overwhelms the whole state [HORNEIUS]. The only justifiable exception is in cases where obedience to the earthly king plainly involves disobedience to the express command of the King of kings.
praise of them that do well--Every government recognizes the excellence of truly Christian subjects. Thus PLINY, in his letter to the Emperor Trajan, acknowledges, "I have found in them nothing else save a perverse and extravagant superstition." The recognition in the long run mitigates persecution (Pe1 3:13). |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Or unto governors - Subordinate officers, appointed by the chief magistrate, over provinces. Perhaps Roman proconsuls are here particularly intended.
As unto them that are sent by him - By the king, or the Roman emperor. They represent the supreme power.
For the punishment of evil doers - One of the leading ends of government. "The Roman governors had the power of life and death in such conquered provinces as those mentioned in Pe1 1:1" - Doddridge. Ulpian, the celebrated Roman lawyer, who flourished two hundred years after Christ, thus describes the power of the governors of the Roman provinces: "It is the duty of a good and vigilant president to see to it that his province be peaceable and quiet. And that he ought to make diligent search after sacrilegious persons, robbers, man-stealers, and thieves, and to punish everyone according to their guilt." Again, "They who govern whole provinces, have the power of sending to the mines." And again," The presidents of provinces have the highest authority, next to the emperor." Peter has described the office of the Roman governors in language nearly resembling that of Ulpian. See Lardner's Credibility, (Works, i. 77, edit. 8vo., Lond. 1829)
And for the praise of them that do well - Praise here stands opposed to punishment, and means commendation, applause, reward. That is, it is a part of their business to reward in a suitable manner those who are upright and virtuous as citizens. This would be by protecting their persons and property; by defending their rights, and, perhaps, by admitting those to share the honors and emoluments of office who showed that they were worthy to be trusted. It is as important a part of the functions of magistracy to protect the innocent, as it is to punish the wicked. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Sent (πεμπομένοις)
The present participle. In the habit of being sent: sent from time to time.
By him
The king; not the Lord.
Punishment (ἐκδίκησιν)
Not strong enough. Better, vengeance, as Rev. Compare Luk 18:7; Rom 12:19.
Them that do well (ἀγαθοποιῶν)
Only here in New Testament. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
Or to subordinate governors, or magistrates. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Or unto governors - By king as supreme, the Roman emperor is meant; and by governors, ἡγεμοσιν, are meant, leaders, governors, presidents, proconsuls, and other chief magistrates, sent by him into the provinces dependent on the Roman empire.
For the punishment of evil doers - This was the object of their mission; they were to punish delinquents, and encourage and protect the virtuous. |
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?