ACC ~ 1 Peter 2 v17c

NOT OPTIONAL. AUGUSTINE: Do not say to yourself: “What have I got to do with the emperor?” … The apostle intended that emperors should be served, and he wanted kings to be honored. TRACTATES 6.26.1.

HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP DOES NOT IMPLY EARTHLY IRRESPONSIBILITY. ANDREAS: It is wrong to be insubordinate and disobedient to earthly authorities. Let no one say that we have been set free from the world because we have become citizens of heaven. Are you still insisting that we should obey earthly powers? Yes, says Peter, but obey them as free people, which is to say, in obedience to the one who has set you free and who has commanded you to do this. That way you will not glory in your freedom as if it were a cloak to cover up your evil thoughts, that is, of insubordination and disobedience. CATENA.

1 Pet