What Does the Bible say about civil authorities?

Presidents and Prime Ministers are often criticized online. But what does the Bible say about our attitude towards our leaders?

The role of authorities

The Bible says that the authorities are established by God to restrain evil, commend good, and maintain justice and order (Rom. 13:1; 1 Pt 2:14). Jesus told Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (Jn. 19:11NIV). So, political power comes from God, even when exercised unjustly. God instituted government for the benefit of society (Dan. 4:17, 25, 34-35). We need the government to function properly as a society.

They are God’s servants for our good: “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Rom. 13:4). The state has the power to punish lawbreakers and to maintain law and order.

God delegates governments the right to use their power for the benefit of society. Authorities are accountable to God and can become unjust (like Pontius Pilate) or oppressive (like the emperor Nero). And they can be empowered by Satan and demand idolatrous worship (Rev. 13). But a bad government is better than no government – anarchy is the worst form of government. Order is better than chaos.

Pray for them

When Paul instructed the church in Ephesus about prayer he wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Christians should pray for stability in government and freedom from political and military unrest so they can live godly lives and the gospel can advance.

Obey them

Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome in AD 57, when Nero ruled the Roman Empire. He said this about the government, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves … Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” (Rom. 13:1-2, 5). And when He was unjustly arrested, put on trial, and crucified, Jesus was submissive to the authorities (Mt. 26:47-56; 27:11-44). If we reject and rebel against human authority, we are rebelling against God.

God asks us to obey not only kings and presidents but also all levels of governing authorities such as police, judges, magistrates and local government. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor [Nero], as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” (1 Pt. 2:13-14). We are to be law-abiding citizens.

God does not want us to submit to a person but to a principle – the principle of the national entity (Rom. 13:1-7). Every Christian has a responsibility to their nation. God does not endorse any particular type of government, but He does emphasize the principle of nationalism as opposed to internationalism. God deemed that a one-world government (like the city of Babel and the United Nations) is not good for society.

Christians should comply with the laws of their national entity and be a good influence in society. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Tit. 3:1-2).

The biblical principle is to obey the government whenever we can unless it violates our obedience to God (see Appendix). But we don’t have to agree with all their behavior or politics.

Support them

When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”, Jesus replied, “give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mt. 22:21; Mk. 12:17; Lk. 20:25). Jesus was loyal to the Roman government (even though they dominated the Jews) and He paid the temple tax, although it was run by ungodly men (Mt. 17:24-27).

This shows our dual citizenship – one on earth and one in heaven. Christians are to obey both God and the government. “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Rom. 13:6-7). Taxes are important for sustaining any national entity.

Honor them

Peter wrote, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Pt. 2:17). They were to honor everyone because every person was made in the image of God. God wants us to respect those who represent the government to us. God expects us to honor our government while at the same time honoring God. We are to respect our rulers as they are appointed by God to maintain an ordered society. It is essential to respect the office when one does not respect the person (Acts 23:5).  

Conclusion

The New Testament teaches that Christians should be good citizens who pray for, obey, support and respect the governing authorities because their authority is allowed by God for order and justice. It also says this obedience is not absolute: when human authorities command what conflicts with God’s will, Christians are to obey God rather than people.

Appendix: Exceptions

Christians are urged to be loyal to the government, except when that Government orders them to disobey God. Then they can refuse to obey and take the punishment.

When Peter and John preached powerfully about Jesus, the Jewish religious leaders wanted to stop them. But Peter and John protested, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 4:19; 5:29). They continued proclaiming the gospel despite persecution, showing that civil disobedience is warranted when human authority directly opposes God’s commands. This could apply in cases of idolatry, suppressing the gospel, or clear moral evil.

Under no circumstances should we rebel or seek to overthrow the government. Rebellion against the state is mutiny against both God and the government.

Reference

Richison G C, The biblical doctrine of the state.

Written, June 2026