What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority?
What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority? Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God, and believers should submit to them — unless they command disobedience to God.
Key verse: Romans 13:1 (KJV)
Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God, and believers should submit to them — unless they command disobedience to God.
Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God, and believers should submit to them — unless they command disobedience to God.
"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
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible presents a balanced view of human government. Romans 13:1 states, 'The powers that be are ordained of God,' and calls government 'the minister of God' for maintaining order and justice. Jesus taught, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's' (Matthew 22:21). However, when government commands what God forbids, believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Daniel defied Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship an idol. The Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh's order to kill babies (Exodus 1:17). Believers are instructed to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and to be good citizens, while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.
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."
"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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The Bible reveals God as perfectly just and calls His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the vulnerable as an expression of His character.
What does the Bible say about prayer?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — a privilege for all believers — and should be persistent, humble, faith-filled, and aligned with God's will.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
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
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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