Peter's command in I Peter 2:17, "Honor the king," is flat and unconditional: it carries no qualification about liking the ruler, agreeing with his policies, or benefiting from his rule. Whoever holds the office, whether Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, of high character or low, is owed honor, and God's authority stands behind the command. Believers tend to honor leaders who share their politics and criticize those who do not, but Peter gives no such distinction. The command sits beside "Love the brotherhood" and "Fear God," which gives it a spiritual weight and makes it part of building godly character rather than an optional matter. Some Christians refuse to honor a president because of his moral failings, and a president of either party might disappoint on character, yet the command remains. Peter wrote when Nero was emperor, a morally corrupt man who hated Christians, martyred many, and blamed them for the burning of Rome, and he still said to honor the king. Christians are not of this world but live in it, and honoring those in authority is the course God directs. Solomon and others echo this as a biblical principle, and the reward is that life goes better for those who obey. Ultimately, the believers' true King bids them do this.

Honoring the king is a command that carries profound weight, even in challenging circumstances. Peter instructs us in I Peter 2:17 to "Honor the king," despite the historical context of Nero, a Roman emperor known for his cruelty and persecution of Christians. Nero's actions were often deplorable, yet Peter emphasizes that a king must be honored because he holds an office given by God, as supported by Romans 13:1. Whether the king is honorable or not, the position demands respect, for resisting the authority is resisting God's ordinance, as stated in Romans 13:2. Paul further identifies civil authorities as ministers or servants of God in Romans 13:4. In our own time, this principle applies to leaders like the president, regardless of personal conduct. Honoring the king or president is a tough order, especially when their actions may seem unworthy of respect. Yet, the command remains clear: we are to honor them as representatives of the authority God has established. This act of honor reflects obedience to our heavenly King, and as Jesus promises in John 12:26, those who serve Him by following His commands will be honored by the Father. Thus, in humbling ourselves to honor even those who appear unworthy, we align with God's way, giving honor to receive honor in return.