What does the Bible say about government authority? This is a question that has intrigued and puzzled many individuals throughout history. The Bible, as a sacred text for Christians, offers insights into the nature and role of government in society. This article aims to explore the biblical perspectives on government authority, examining both the divine and human aspects of governance as presented in the Scriptures.
The Bible, primarily consisting of the Old and New Testaments, contains numerous references to government authority. One of the earliest mentions is found in Genesis, where God establishes the authority of human rulers over the earth. In Genesis 9:6, God tells Noah, “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed, for in the image of God has God made mankind.” This verse implies that God has given humans the authority to govern and maintain order in society.
In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus outlines the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, which was a form of government authority. Moses, as a prophet and leader, was chosen by God to guide the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. However, the Israelites desired a king like the neighboring nations, and God granted their request. In 1 Samuel 8, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the dangers of a king, but they persist in their desire for a monarch. The Bible acknowledges that God ultimately allows the Israelites to have a king, but He also establishes guidelines for the king’s authority.
The New Testament, on the other hand, focuses more on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. While Jesus does not explicitly address government authority, His teachings emphasize the importance of respecting and submitting to legitimate authorities. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus answers a question about paying taxes to Caesar by saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This statement suggests that there is a distinction between divine and human authority, and that believers should respect both.
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of government authority in greater detail. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For reasons of conscience, no one ought to suffer, or do wrong to a brother or sister, the elder or the younger, or take advantage of anyone. It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. But live as servants of God. Obey everyone who is your earthly master, whether they are Gentiles or Jews, whether they are slave or free, and fear no one. It is God’s servant to whom you are to obey. Render service with enthusiasm, as to Christ, not to human masters, knowing that whatever good anyone does will be known to God. So then, it is not without reason that you are the slaves of those who believe the master, but also those who do not. You are doing the will of God when you do well and are suffering for it, since you are enduring it for Christ. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” This passage asserts that government authority is established by God and that believers should respect and submit to those in power.
In conclusion, the Bible offers a comprehensive view of government authority, emphasizing both divine and human aspects. It acknowledges that God has given humans the authority to govern and maintain order in society, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting and submitting to legitimate authorities. While the Bible does not endorse every form of government, it provides guidance for believers on how to navigate the complexities of political power and authority.
