Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. Or unto governors - By king as supreme, the Roman emperor is meant; and by governors, ἡγεμοσιν, are meant, leaders, governors, presidents, proconsuls, and other chief magistrates, sent by him into the provinces dependent on the Roman empire.
For the punishment of evil doers - This was the object of their mission; they were to punish delinquents, and encourage and protect the virtuous.