For ‘honour’ you may read, ‘esteem’; all men, even the wicked. You don't condone their behaviour and their lifestyle; you cannot admire them and love them deeply, but you esteem them.
There are seen some social media blogs where Christian people, even eminent Reformed leaders, have been speaking about civil authorities in bloodcurdling terms: insulting language, terrible things, personal insults and comments. These are, from some well-known ministers in the USA – so free in their Internet comments – who are always saying, in effect, ‘Listen to me. I give you the pure word of God. I can be trusted.’ And yet they speak as though they don't care about disobedience to the clear laws of God. If you wish to talk about politicians, friends, and political leaders, whether it's the party you support, or the other party that you don't support, always try to speak responsibly. Keep your worst opinions to yourself. We live in a democracy; we may be critical, but we must always be courteous. You may certainly vote against them; that is your right. You may say, ‘I think this is an awful thing that has happened’, but don't insult them. Don't call them things that it's wrong to call them, because we have to esteem and honour civil authority.
Are there occasions, when Christians could sanction rebellion against the lawful authority? Well, there probably are. That is a most interesting subject, and the Reformers faced it and had to work through it. But unstable minds have argued that membership of the kingdom of God is an excuse for revolution. ‘Why should I recognize earthly kings and ministers when I know that God is going to sweep them and their temporary kingdoms into the dustbin of history? I have been enlightened to know the true nature of this world and it is not going to last. I belong to Christ’s eternal kingdom and therefore I will live according to the true light and not according to the passing darkness of this world.’ Such words come from those who are proud and unbalanced, and who has a very different spirit to that taught here. Peter tells us that while the world lasts, it is right for Christians to submit to human authority. Even Christ submitted to his human parents while he was still a child, and recognised the duly appointed authorities in the land (Matthew 23:2-3). The Christian is to be a model citizen and not a trouble maker. He should give no excuse to those looking to justify their hatred of believers, but rather be exemplary in obedience. Christ has not desire that his people should try to accelerate the coming of his eternal kingdom which only he can bring into existence, and at God’s appointed time and no other.
In the time of Peter the emperor was Nero; how could they honour Nero? How could they honour an evil ruler? Well, yes, you can, because in these verses you are called not so much to honour him personally but to honour him as the holder of his office. You do not try to pretend to yourself that Nero is a good chap and therefore he is worthy of your respect, but you do, so far as you can, honour his office.