1 Peter 2:17.

[Radagast]

Our President is not the foundation of the power of our democracy. He is not abstractly, relatively, or figuratively a sovereign by any stretch of the imagination.

He's still the closest thing the US has to a βασιλεύς. Like the Roman Emperor, he is subject to checks and balances.

When we say that God is Sovereign what do we mean? That He is all powerful, that His law is perfect and cannot be changed by any man. That position belongs to God and God alone.

True. But you are disagreeing with the Apostles Peter (in this passage) and Paul (in Romans) who say that earthly authorities deserve respect.

 

[AlexDTX]

The context, beginning in verse 13, is human authorities, of whom the king/emperor is the most important. "King" in this passage is not referring to Jesus.

The verse says "Honor all..." men and people are italicized because they were added by translators. The rest of the verse is brotherhood (saints), God and the king. So context is the Church, not the world, although all people deserve honor whether in the faith or not, simply because they are the image of God and that Christ died for them.

 

[AlexDTX]

So you are saying the king is The King of Kings?

It could be. I am not going to make a doctrine out of it. It just occurred to me at the time I saw your question.

 

[Radagast]

So context is the Church, not the world

That is incorrect. The relevant section begins at verse 13. I quote the ESV, and highlight the sections about the king/emperor:

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honour everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust....

This passage is in fact about submission to human authority in the world.

 

[Adstar]

Who is the king in this scripture?

1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

The king is ones human leader.. Who ever has been placed in Authority over ones nation..

 

[Mark51]

I understand this to mean human superior authorities such as leaders in government or people in high offices.

Early Christians were not hostile to the Roman emperor; nor, should modern day Christian have hostilities for their modern day governmental leaders. Such leaders should be given respect for their authority and given the honor that is due to their positions. (1 Peter 2:13-17) The word “king” was used in the Greek-speaking world not only for local kings but also for the Roman emperor.

The apostle Paul counseled Christians living in the capital of the Roman Empire: “Render to all their dues, . . . to him who calls for honor, [not worship] such honor.”-Romans 13:7.
Compare: 1 Timothy 2:1, 2.