13 Be subject for the sake of the Lord to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do good.

15 For such is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as slaves of God.

17 Honor all people, love the brethren, fear God, honor the king.

Quotes:

"Peter gave a command that represented a general truth, that is, he specified what Christians should do in most situations when confronting governing authorities.  Believers should be inclined to obey and submit to rulers.  We will see however, that the authority of rulers is not absolute.  They do not infringe upon God's lordship, and hence they should be disobeyed if they command Christians to contravene God's will." (Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner)