What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority?
What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority? The Bible teaches that God establishes governing authorities, calls believers to submit to them, but also recognizes that God's authority is supreme when they conflict.
Key verse: Romans 13:1 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that God establishes governing authorities, calls believers to submit to them, but also recognizes that God's authority is supreme when they conflict.
The Bible teaches that God establishes governing authorities, calls believers to submit to them, but also recognizes that God's authority is supreme when they conflict.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." — Romans 13:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Romans 13:1-7 teaches that governing authorities are 'ordained of God' and that resisting authority means resisting God's ordinance. Paul instructs paying taxes, giving honor, and submitting to rulers. Peter agrees: 'Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake' (1 Peter 2:13). However, when government commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, believers must obey God: 'We ought to obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29). Daniel defied the king's decree against prayer. The Hebrew midwives defied Pharaoh's command to kill babies. Jesus distinguished between duties to God and Caesar (Matthew 22:21). Believers are called to pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), be good citizens, seek the welfare of their communities (Jeremiah 29:7), while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Politics & Government?
What the Bible teaches about government, civic duty, and the Christian's role in politics.
Key Scripture References
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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