authority
What does the Bible say about authority? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
10 passages · most helpful first
18And Jesus, drawing near, spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
1Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who have been ordained by God.
19Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
29But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: “It is necessary to obey God, more so than men.
17Obey your leaders and be subject to them. For they watch over you, as if to render an account of your souls. So then, may they do this with joy, and not with grief. Otherwise, it would not be as helpful to you.
17Let priests who lead well be held worthy of twice the honor, especially those who labor in the Word and in doctrine.
18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and meek, but also to the unruly. 19For this is grace: when, because of God, a man willingly endures sorrows, suffering injustice. 20For what glory is there, if you sin and then suffer a beating? But if you do well and suffer patiently, this is grace with God.
9Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son.
1Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who have been ordained by God. 2And so, whoever resists authority, resists what has been ordained by God. And those who resist are acquiring damnation for themselves. 3For leaders are not a source of fear to those who work good, but to those who work evil. And would you prefer not to be afraid of authority? Then do what is good, and you shall have praise from them. 4For he is a minister of God for you unto good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid. For it is not without reason that he carries a sword. For he is a minister of God; an avenger to execute wrath upon whomever does evil. 5For this reason, it is necessary to be subject, not solely because of wrath, but also because of conscience. 6Therefore, you must also offer tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving him in this.
13Therefore, be subject to every human creature because of God, whether it is to the king as preeminent,