Peters View

Peter’s comments about political rulers in his letter are often misunderstood, because the context is ignored. Whereas Paul in Romans 13 was giving basic principles, Peter is providing advice to Christians about life in a hostile world

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world.... Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds.… (1 Pet 2:11,12).

He is writing to Christians who are living in a hostile world ruled by kings and dictators. He tells them to submit to the political powers for the sake of peace.

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers… that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Pet 2:13-14 NKJV).

Peter is not describing God’s will for government, as Paul does in Romans. He is explaining to Christians how they should get by under a hostile government. They should not attract unnecessary attention, by trying to overthrow the government, but should submit to it, so they can be free to get on with preaching the gospel.