Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8453 obedience  »  8456 obedience, to human authorities

Scripture teaches that all people, Christians included, should submit not only to God himself but also to divinely instituted secular authorities.

Obedience is owed to rulers

Romans 13:1-7 See also 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14,17

Jesus Christ expounds this principle

Mark 12:17 pp Matthew 22:21 pp Luke 20:25

Obedience is owed to church leaders

Hebrews 13:17 See also 1 Peter 5:5

Obedience is owed within the household

Ephesians 6:1-3 See also Proverbs 15:5; Colossians 3:20

Jesus Christ sets the example

Luke 2:51

Obedience to secular authority is limited by obedience to God

Acts 5:29 See also Acts 4:19

See also

2036  Christ, humility
2520  Christ, childhood
5215  authority
5257  civil authorities
5359  justice
5375  law
5520  servants
5540  society
5668  children, responsibilities to parents
5959  submission
6224  rebellion against authority
8304  loyalty