2:13 Be subject . . . to every human institution. This introduces the theme of voluntary submission and obedience to those in authority developed in 2:13–3:6.

for the Lord’s sake. A person should submit to ordinances because this will commend Christ to others and keep reproach from His name. Submission to others also in itself is a service to Christ (Col. 3:23, 24).

the emperor as supreme. Chiefly the Roman emperor, at this time Nero (a.d. 54–68). The king is supreme, relative to governors and other rulers. Though Peter does not discuss the origin of kingly authority (cf. Rom. 13:1–7), Scripture teaches elsewhere that submission is required as long as it does not involve violation of the law of God (Matt. 22:21; Acts 4:19; 5:29).