In our English translation, these four commands appear as equals. In the Greek, however, a distinction is made indicating that the first command (“honor everyone”) is the primary instruction, with the other three providing colour in how to go about honouring everyone. To wit, Peter’s readers are not to decide individually how to extend honour to this person or that (and so potentially offend a brother), but in seeking to “honor everyone” are to “love the brotherhood” (Romans 14:1 – 15:33; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13). Again, the “honor” you are to extend to “everyone” must flow from “fear [of] God” both in the sense of always obeying his commands and in the sense of accepting the sort of persons God puts on your path. Finally, the “emperor” is the ultimate example of “everyone” as he is the hardest to “honor” due to the clout he has to make life difficult.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.