1 Peter 2:14

Or unto governors - By king as supreme, the Roman emperor is meant; and by governors, ἡγεμοσιν , are meant, leaders, governors, presidents, proconsuls, and other chief magistrates, sent by him into the provinces dependent on the Roman empire.

For the punishment of evil doers - This was the object of their mission; they were to punish delinquents, and encourage and protect the virtuous.