Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5215 authority  »  5219 authority, of human institutions

The exercise of God-established freedom to regulate society for the good of its members.

Without authority sin is unrestrained

Romans 1:24-26 See also Genesis 6:5 This was before the giving of the law; Judges 21:25; Romans 13:4

All human authorities are instituted and established by God

Romans 13:1-2 See also Genesis 9:5-6; Daniel 2:21,37-38; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 5:18-21,26; John 19:11; 1 Peter 2:13

Rulers are God's servants to do good and restrain evil

Romans 13:4 See also Isaiah 45:1; Jeremiah 25:9; Jeremiah 27:6; Jeremiah 43:10; Romans 13:6; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:14

The proper response to human authorities

They are to be obeyed by everyone

Romans 13:1 See also Ecclesiastes 8:2; Matthew 22:17-21 pp Mark 12:14-17 pp Luke 20:22-25; Romans 13:5-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14

They are to be honoured and respected

Proverbs 24:21 See also Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17

They are not to be obeyed if their demands conflict with the law of God

Acts 4:19 See also Exodus 1:17; 1 Kings 21:3; Daniel 3:18; Daniel 6:12; Matthew 22:21 pp Mark 12:17 pp Luke 20:25; Hebrews 11:23

They are to be prayed for

1 Timothy 2:1-2 See also Jeremiah 29:7

Christians are to use rights granted by the authorities

Acts 16:35-39; Acts 22:22-29; Acts 25:1-12

See also

5008  conscience
5257  civil authorities
5404  masters
5504  rights
5509  rulers
5520  servants
5577  taxation
5605  warfare
5959  submission
7446  slavery
8240  ethics
8456  obedience to authorities