Obedience to Civil Authority
Christians are called to respect those in authority, but not at the cost of disobeying God. It’s a balancing act that requires careful thought. This discussion will look at what the Bible says about authority, when it’s okay to question it, and how to make good decisions when faced with conflicting loyalties. The passage outlines the biblical basis for respecting and obeying civil authorities.
Romans 13:1-7:
“Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”
1 Peter 2:13-17
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond-servants of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
Submission to Authority: The Challenge
The question of submission to authority is not merely theoretical, but a practical dilemma faced by believers throughout history. While Scripture encourages respect for law and order, it also acknowledges the possibility of unjust or tyrannical rule. Discernment is crucial. When faced with a conflict between human law and divine law, the believers must prayerfully weigh their options. It is imperative to consider the potential consequences of both obedience and disobedience. The goal is to honor God, even if it means facing persecution or societal disapproval.
Refusal to Submission:
When faced with life-threatening situations, can we find examples of choosing faith? Absolutely.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego These three men refused to bow down. They would not worship a golden idol. They declared their God could save them from the fire. Their faith was absolute. Even if God did not save them, they would still not bow.
The Prophet Daniel Daniel chose to defy a king’s decree. He continued to pray three times each day. He chose God’s will above his own safety. This act showed his unwavering faith. It resulted in being thrown into a lion’s den.
Queen Esther Queen Esther faced a life-or-death decision. She risked everything to save her people. Approaching the king without permission meant certain death. Her courageous decision rested on her faith. She declared, “If I perish, I perish.”
John the Baptist John the Baptist fulfilled his calling as a prophet. He spoke truth to King Herod. He condemned the king’s unlawful marriage. This bold stance led to his imprisonment and execution. He chose his mission over his own life.
Stephen The Disciple Stephen became the church’s first martyr. He was filled with God’s grace and power. His enemies grew angry at his preaching. As he was being stoned, he looked up to heaven. He saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
Apostle Paul The Apostle Paul endured constant threats to his life. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. Still, he never gave up his mission. He saw suffering as a way to share in Christ’s love. His life was a continuous act of faith.
These individuals demonstrate a fearless trust in God’s sovereignty. Their faith was not conditional. They believed God could save them, but they also accepted His ultimate authority.
Higher Allegiance
We are called to obey the authorities, but our faith reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Therefore, when faced with a choice, we must obey God.
Acts 5:29:
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
The common thread weaving through all the examples in the abo is a profound and unshakeable allegiance to God. Their actions were not impulsive acts of defiance. They were instead expressions of a deeply held conviction. They all prioritized God’s will above their own safety. Each of them faced a specific command or circumstance. Each person chose to obey God, knowing it could cost them everything.
In conclusion believers are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, for they are established by God (Romans 13:1). However, this submission is conditional. It is ultimately subordinate to our primary and unshakeable allegiance to God, who is the highest authority. The apostles perfectly captured this principle when they declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29). The biblical examples we’ve explored, from Daniel to the disciples, demonstrate this truth. They showed respect for earthly rulers but drew a clear line when those rulers commanded them to act against God’s will. True Christian obedience requires this discernment. When human law conflicts with divine command, our first and ultimate loyalty is always to God.
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