Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Peter 2:14

14 Or unto governours , as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.

He seems immediately to intend the Governours of Provinces under the Roman Emperors, such as Pilate, Felix, Feslus, were in Iudea; Sergius Paulus in Cyprus, Acts 13.7. and other Places: See Luke 3.1. but so as to imply, under the Name of Governours, all inferior Magistrates, as under the Name of King, he doth all Supreme.

Either, 1. by the King, or Supreme Magistrate, and then the next words shew what should be his end in sending, or appointing Officers, or subordinate Rulers under him: Or, 2. rather sent by God, from whom all Rulers subordinate, as well as Supreme, have their Authority, and which is the great Motive on which they are to be obeyed; and then the following words shew what is God's end in appointing them, and another reason for yielding Obedience to them, viz. their being set up for the common Good of the Societies which they rule.

Praise is a kind of Reward, and is here to be taken by a Synechdoche for all sorts of Rewards given to those that do well, and are obedient to the Laws. See Rom. 13.3, 4.

Marginal references: Rom. 13.4.; Rom. 13.3.