In this verse we read words that have provided for those who do not want to obey the civil authority, a get-out. ‘As unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well.’ They pounce on that and they say, ‘Yes, but we only obey them insofar as their laws accord with the laws of God.’ Now there is a measure of truth in that. But no, the apostle Peter, has said, ‘every ordinance of man.’ That includes the speed limit. That includes all sorts of things that are not in the Ten Commandments, or the sin and righteousness lists of the Bible: all kinds of regulations that are for the regulation of society and for the well-being of all. We are to obey even arbitrary laws of the government, just because they are the appointed government and put those laws in place. Even public health demands, as long as they're not used as a means of persecuting Christians, and restraining the church. In the recent pandemic, if we had been subjected to public health requirements and curtailments that were not imposed equally upon pubs and bars and theatres and cinemas and places of recreation and sport, then we would have immediately concluded that this was the stifling of the gospel, that there was a purpose in this, and this was against the Lord and his work. In that case, we would have had grounds for not complying. We make an exception if it is unequal. That's understandable. But while it is upon all society equally, whether it is scientifically absolutely correct or not – at the time it was believed to be – then it's for the public good, and it's a legitimate regulation of the authorities. We cannot refuse to obey because we do not agree with the thinking of government. They would be a recipe for anarchy.