2:14a

or: Peter wanted his readers to be subject to both the king and his governors. So in some languages it may be more natural to say:

and

governors: The word governors refers to officials whom the emperor put in charge of areas or provinces. As his representatives, they acted as the highest magistrates in the districts where they served.

as those sent by him: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as those sent by him suggests that the governors were the emperor’s representatives and that this was the reason why people should be subject to them. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

as his deputies (Revised English Bible)

This is a passive clause. In some languages it may be natural to translate it as active:

whom he sends/appoints

2:14b

This verse part gives two reasons why the emperor appointed governors. It makes clear what the emperor wanted the governors to do.

to punish those who do wrong: This clause refers to the legal treatment of criminals. Use terms appropriate for a judge sentencing lawbreakers. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

punish criminals (Contemporary English Version)

to praise those who do right: Peter expected that civil rulers would recognize and approve of good deeds. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

praise good citizens (Contemporary English Version)

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