1Pe 2:13  Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme
1Pe 2:14  or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.

This verse is often used in parallel to Roman 13:1-7.  Much like Paul’s advice in Romans Peter echoes his concern to be subject to the state government.  The word Peter uses is "ktisis."  The essence of the word is formation and is usually translated as such or creation, building or ordinance.  The word for authority doesn’t exist in this text.  Some translations include it believing adding the word would bring clarity to the meaning of the text.  Notice how the authority is linked to the institution itself.

  • "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, " NIV
  • "For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, " NRSV
  • "For the Lord’s sake, accept all authority – the king as head of state, " NLT
  • Other translations leave authority out and go with a more literal translation.
  • "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, " NASB
  • "Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, " ESV
  • "Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme" NET

It is verse 14 where Peter makes a explicit instruction to be subject to the hegemon or governors.  Hegemon literally means "chief ruler of a province" and is a specific term speaking only of regional governors.

This verse cannot be applied to the leadership of the church because Peter isn’t talking about the church.