Human authority, as depicted in the Bible, is an institution established by God to maintain order, justice, and righteousness in society. The Scriptures provide a framework for understanding the nature, purpose, and limitations of human authority, emphasizing its divine origin and the responsibility of those who wield it.

Divine Origin of Authority

The Bible affirms that all authority is instituted by God. In Romans 13:1-2 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the belief that human authority is not merely a social construct but a divine ordinance.

Purpose of Authority

Human authority serves several purposes according to biblical teaching. Primarily, it is meant to promote justice and restrain evil. Romans 13:3-4 states, "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Additionally, authority is intended to provide peace and order, allowing individuals to live "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2). This peace is conducive to the flourishing of society and the spread of the Gospel.

Responsibilities of Those in Authority

Those who hold positions of authority are called to exercise their power with justice, integrity, and humility. The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions for leaders. In Deuteronomy 17:18-20 , the king of Israel is instructed to write for himself a copy of the law and read it all his life, "so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, and so that his heart will not be lifted up above his brothers and he will not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left."

Leaders are also warned against abusing their power. In Ezekiel 34:2-4 , God condemns the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves instead of the flock, highlighting the expectation that leaders should serve and protect those under their care.

Obedience to Authority

The Bible instructs believers to submit to human authorities as an act of obedience to God. 1 Peter 2:13-14 exhorts, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right." This submission is not absolute, however, and is contingent upon the authority not commanding what God forbids or forbidding what God commands (Acts 5:29).

Limitations of Authority

While human authority is divinely instituted, it is not without limitations. The Bible acknowledges that human leaders are fallible and can act unjustly. In such cases, believers are called to prioritize obedience to God over human commands. Acts 5:29 records the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin: "We must obey God rather than men."

Furthermore, the ultimate authority belongs to God alone. Human authority is temporary and accountable to God, as seen in the prophetic literature where God judges nations and their leaders for their actions (Isaiah 10:1-3).

Conclusion

The role of human authority in the Bible is multifaceted, serving as a means to uphold justice, peace, and order while being subject to divine oversight and limitations. Believers are called to respect and submit to authority, recognizing its divine origin, while also discerning when obedience to God must take precedence.