government
What does the Bible say about government? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
12 passages · most helpful first
1Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who have been ordained by God.
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.
29But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: “It is necessary to obey God, more so than men.
13Therefore, be subject to every human creature because of God, whether it is to the king as preeminent, 14or to leaders as having been sent from him for vindication over evildoers, it is truly for the praise of what is good. 15For such is the will of God, that by doing good you may bring about the silence of imprudent and ignorant men, 16in an open manner, and not as if cloaking malice with liberty, but like servants of God. 17Honor everyone. Love brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1And so I beg you, first of all, to make supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for all men, 2for kings, and for all who are in high places, so that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all piety and chastity.
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.
1Admonish them to be subordinate to the rulers and authorities, to obey their dictates, to be prepared for every good work,
13Therefore, be subject to every human creature because of God, whether it is to the king as preeminent, 14or to leaders as having been sent from him for vindication over evildoers, it is truly for the praise of what is good.
7Therefore, render to all whatever is owed. Taxes, to whom taxes is due; revenue, to whom revenue is due; fear, to whom fear is due; honor, to whom honor is due.
11Jesus responded, “You would not have any authority over me, unless it were given to you from above. For this reason, he who has handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
29For the kingdom belongs to the Lord, and he will have dominion over the Gentiles.
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.