The Bible has many passages about government. For example, God established a civil government over Israel. The kings of Israel were to be God’s representatives and were to administer justice in accordance with God’s laws (Exodus 18:16-26). In addition, Jesus taught that Christians should pay taxes (Matthew 22:17-21).
Government in the Bible is a tricky topic. There’s no explicit mention of government, and many interpretations of biblical passages have prompted debates about whether certain passages mean that rulers should be elected or appointed, for example.
But there are two main themes in the Bible that show us how God wants us to view our leaders: obedience and respect.
Government In The Bible
There are a lot of people who think that the Bible has nothing to do with government, but I’m here to show you that this is false. God has something to say about governing and the way in which we should go about it. This article will help you see how this works in the Bible!
The First Government In The Bible
One of the most important parts of God’s government is that it is an individual, family and church governing authority. You might have heard these referred to as “government.”
All governments are either God or man-made. The only true and right government is God’s, because it cannot be overthrown by anyone or anything else. It always stands firm because it is based on truth and righteousness instead of man’s opinions or whimsical desires (Daniel 4:17).
The Bible teaches us that there are five areas where we should submit ourselves under God’s authority: family, church, state/nation/civic duties; in addition to personal duties such as paying taxes etc (Romans 13:1-7).
- Governments are not mentioned in the Bible.
- God is the king of all kings, head of the church and state, head of the family, individual and universe.
Biblical Government Structure
The Bible is the only book that talks about a government that is not a theocracy. The Bible states that God is the King of kings and Lord of lords, yet He has given us free will to choose our own leaders. God gave us this freedom because He loves us and wants us to be happy.
The Bible also contains many examples of leaders who were chosen by their people, in contrast with other religions where only one person becomes leader by default. For instance, in Matthew 20:25-28 we are told how Jesus appointed twelve apostles (or “sent ones”) to lead His church after His death on earth:
25 But Jesus answered them, saying, Ye know not what ye ask [for]. Are ye able 26to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? and to be baptized with [water] which I am baptized withal? They say unto him, We are able.* 27And he said unto them (all), Ye shall indeed drink of my cup [of suffering], but to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine [to grant]*: it 29is for those for whom it has been prepared by [God Himself].
Spiritual Government In The Bible
The Bible teaches that spiritual government is based on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Since all authority derives from God (Romans 13:1), we are to submit ourselves to those who have authority over us in order to please God (1 Peter 2:13-17).
We are commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ to submit to governing authorities, for they are ordained by God for our good (Romans 13:1). Therefore we should obey political leaders who maintain justice, protect the innocent from violence, and support religious freedom (1 Peter 2:13-17).
Biblical Government
The Bible is a book that holds a lot of wisdom, and if you’ve ever read it from cover to cover (or even just the first few chapters), you know this. Among other things, it has much to say about government in general and spiritual government in particular. To learn more about how biblical government works, let’s take a quick look at some of the passages where government is mentioned:
- In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 we read an example of good rule by Godly leaders (Samuel) over an entire people group:
“But Samuel said: ‘What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?’ And Saul said: ‘They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of what was destroyed.'”
The Bible is the holy book of Christianity. It contains many references to government. There are also many references to religion, and spiritual government in the Bible. The word “Biblical” means relating to or contained in the Bible; therefore, Biblical Government is a form of government that applies what is written in the Bible as a standard for determining right or wrong behavior by an individual, community or nation.
Bible Verses About Government And Religion
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
1 Samuel 8:1-22
When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” …
Ephesians 1:19-23
And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Government In The Bible KJV
1 Samuel 8:6 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
1 Samuel 8:7 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
Judges 3:7 Then Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was an virgin; but she knew not that I spake unto my father any more.
2 Chronicles 30:22 Now when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents O Israel! Now David numbered the people that were present with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
The Bible is full of references to government and rulers.
The following is a list of some of the more prominent passages that deal with various aspects of government.
1) Daniel 2:21-22 – “But I have heard from the God of heaven that the children of the people are going to destroy you, so that all who hear about your kingdom will be appalled and say, ‘Where did such a thing as this come from?’ So it will be impossible for you to keep your position as king.”
2) Daniel 4:17-18 – “This matter has been decided by my Lord; there is no one who can change His mind and decision. He will not alter anything He has said concerning these things.”
3) Jeremiah 22:15 – “I have listened attentively, O LORD; I have given heed to Your words. Do not bring disaster on us, for we have no one but You to rely on.”
4) Proverbs 19:10 – “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, And diligent study is what he seeks.”
5) Isaiah 44:24 – “I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me; declaring the
Romans 13:1-7 King James Version (KJV)
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.6For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute
- Romans 13:1-7 – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
- 1 Peter 2:13-17 – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; Or unto governors (elders) as unto them that are sent by him for vengeance on evil doers, and for praise to them that do well.”
- Matthew 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All authority hath
Romans 13:1-4
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Therefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Government In The Bible Verses
Bible verses about government. Scripture taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
Romans 13:1-7 KJV understand the role of government in Romans 13:1-7 bible study.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Bible has a lot to say about government. The Old Testament is full of advice from God on how to run a nation. Here are some examples:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
“But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways will be caught in their own nets.” (Proverbs 29:5)
“A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.” (Proverbs 20:8)
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” (Proverbs 19:1)
“If you walk with wise men they will prove useful to you, if you walk with fools they will lead you astray.” (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
The Bible has a lot to say about government. The following sections will provide you with a list of passages that will help you understand the role and responsibilities of government in the Bible.
The Role of Government in God’s Plan for Mankind
God has always had an ideal in mind when it comes to how he wants men and women to live together on this earth. He has always planned for us to be governed by righteous leaders who would uphold his law and promote justice: “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” (Matthew 25:32) “This is what the Lord says: ‘Administer true justice; show partiality to no one.’ ” (Deuteronomy 16:19) “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” (Leviticus 19:15)
Even though mankind has failed time after time in its attempts at establishing perfect societies based on these ideals, God still holds out hope for us: “As surely as I live,” declares
Romans 13:1-7
1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.#KJV