or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well.
For the punishment of evil doers - One of the leading ends of government. “The Roman governors had the power of life and death in such conquered provinces as those mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1“ - Doddridge. Ulpian, the celebrated Roman lawyer, who flourished two hundred years after Christ, thus describes the power of the governors of the Roman provinces: “It is the duty of a good and vigilant president to see to it that his province be peaceable and quiet. And that he ought to make diligent search after sacrilegious persons, robbers, man-stealers, and thieves, and to punish everyone according to their guilt.” Again, “They who govern whole provinces, have the power of sending to the mines.” And again,” The presidents of provinces have the highest authority, next to the emperor.” Peter has described the office of the Roman governors in language nearly resembling that of Ulpian. See Lardner’s Credibility, (Works, i. 77, edit. 8vo., Lond. 1829)