This is a complex question that does not have a simple yes or no answer. There are various Bible passages that can give insight into how Christians should relate to earthly authorities and human government. Overall, the Bible encourages Christians to be law-abiding citizens, while also recognizing there may be exceptions when obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to human laws.
Biblical Support for Obeying Laws
There are several passages in the New Testament that instruct Christians to obey governing authorities and submit to civil laws:
- “Let 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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)
- “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
- “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work…” (Titus 3:1)
The overall message is that Christians should strive to be model citizens, obedient and compliant with civic authorities and laws. God has instituted human government for order, stability, and welfare of society. By obeying rulers and laws, Christians are ultimately submitting to God’s design for organized civilization. The alternative is anarchy, chaos, and disorder.
However, the Bible also sets some clear boundaries on the extent and nature of obedience required:
Limits to Obeying Laws
While Christians must generally obey civic laws and authorities, the Bible does not advocate unlimited, unquestioning obedience to the state. There are occasions when defying human authority is justified or even required.
1. When government compels disobedience to God
The Bible prohibits idolatry, yet King Nebuchadnezzar commanded all people to worship a golden statue he had made (Daniel 3). Since this violated God’s clear commandments, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rightly refused to comply, even under threat of death. Likewise, in Acts 5:29, the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” No human authority can compel a Christian to actively violate God’s laws.
2. When government oversteps its established jurisdiction
In Exodus 1, the Egyptian Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all male babies born to Hebrew women. The midwives refused to obey this inhumane command. Likewise, King Darius signed a decree prohibiting prayer to any god except himself for 30 days (Daniel 6). Daniel nevertheless continued praying to God as was his customary habit. In a constitutional republic like ancient Rome or the United States today, the civil government does not have absolute power but must act according to established laws.
3. When obeying the law requires participation in injustice
If obeying a law would cause direct harm to innocent people, Christians may find themselves compelled to resist or disobey. During World War II, Christians helped hide Jews to protect them from the Holocaust. This required disobedience of immoral Nazi laws. Christians are expected to promote justice, defend the oppressed, care for the vulnerable, and follow their conscience when human laws are unjust (Proverbs 31:8-9, Micah 6:8, Acts 4:19-20).
4. When the law prohibits obedience to God
The Jewish leaders ordered the apostles to stop preaching about Jesus, but Peter replied, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge” (Acts 4:19). The earliest Christians refused to stop proclaiming the Gospel even when authorities banned Christian gatherings and worship services. However, defiance should be a last resort when all legal avenues for change have been exhausted.
How Should Christians Disobey?
When resistance to governing powers is necessary, the Bible teaches Christians to do so respectfully within certain guidelines:
- Be willing to accept punishment (Daniel 3:16-18, Acts 5:40-42)
- Refuse to retaliate violently (Matthew 5:39, Romans 12:17-19)
- Continue honoring authority figures (Daniel 6:21-22, Romans 13:7 1 Peter 2:18)
- Use legal/political channels first if available (Esther 4:15-16, Acts 25:10-12)
- Be motivated by love and a desire for justice (Psalm 45:7, Amos 5:15, Micah 6:8)
Rather than promote anarchy or lawlessness, the Bible calls for measured, non-violent resistance to human authority when obedience to God demands it. Even civil disobedience should be carried out respectfully and with a willingness to accept punishment.
Balancing Obligations to God & State
In a fallen world where governments are imperfect, tensions can arise between a Christian’s duties to God and country. Scripture does not support unlimited obedience to the state but requires moral discernment about when to comply with versus resist civic laws and dictates. How can Christians navigate these competing claims?
1. Evaluate the command – Does it require violating Scripture or conscience? Is it within lawful jurisdiction? Does it uphold justice?
2. Consider context and motives – What conditions warrant resisting versus obeying? Am I acting based on pride or godly motives? (Jeremiah 29:7)
3. Explore legal options – Can the law be changed by legitimate channels? Are exemptions available? (Esther 4:15-16)
4. Accept consequences – Refusing compliance should be a last resort. Are you prepared to face penalties? (Acts 5:40-42)
5. Respect authority – Even while disobeying specific demands, continue honoring leaders’ position. (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:17)
6. Focus on mission– The church’s primary purpose is living out and proclaiming the Gospel. How does my response support this mission? (Matthew 28:19-20)
With wisdom, courage, and God’s guidance, Christians can live out biblical values within imperfect civic systems while still working towards greater justice. Our ultimate citizenship is in God’s Kingdom.
Case Studies from Scripture
Examining different examples in Scripture can shed light on how biblical characters navigated their duties to God versus earthly powers:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – Defying idolatry
When commanded to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue or be thrown into a blazing furnace, these three Jewish men refused, saying, “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Their peaceful defiance honored God above any earthly authority.
Esther – Working within the system
When informed of a plot to massacre the Jews, Esther courageously risked her life by approaching King Xerxes to expose the plan, “although it is against the law” (Esther 4:16). However, she first asked her fellow Jews to fast and pray for her efforts. By strategically utilizing her position within the Persian royal court, Esther was able to save her people through lawful means.
Peter and John – Respectful disobedience
When the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God” (Acts 4:19). However, they willingly accepted the flogging ordered by the authorities and continued publicly teaching about Christ. Their example showed respect for leaders even while resisting specific unjust demands.
Jesus – non-violent civil disobedience
Though falsely accused by jealous religious leaders, Jesus did not protest undergoing illegal trials or treatment. When challenged by Pilate to defend himself, Jesus submitted to earthly powers in fulfillment of biblical prophecy (Mark 15:2-5). Yet Jesus had earlier critiqued corruption in the Jewish temple system. His example highlights non-violent resistance combined with voluntary submission once condemned under man’s imperfect legal system.
Applying Biblical Principles Today
So how should biblical teaching guide Christian responses to government today? Here are several key principles that emerge:
- Obey lawful government and civic laws (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14)
- Pay taxes, vote, and serve community (Matthew 22:15-22, Romans 13:6-7)
- Pray for rulers and seek the country’s well-being (Jeremiah 29:7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
- Advocate justly using legal means available (Matthew 5:25-26)
- Engage in peaceful civil disobedience only as a last resort if obeying God requires it (Acts 5:29)
- Be willing to humbly accept penalties (Acts 5:40-42, 1 Peter 4:15-16)
- Honor and respect leaders, even when disagreeing (Romans 13:7, 1 Peter 2:17-18)
- Aim for societal order, stability, and welfare over chaos (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 13:4)
Additionally, here are some key considerations when evaluating current laws and authority:
- Does the law uphold justice, especially for the vulnerable? (Psalm 82:3-4)
- Is it consistent with God’s moral standards in Scripture? (Acts 5:29)
- Does it overstep lawful jurisdiction, or is it dictatorial? (Exodus 1)
- Could obeying this law cause harm to others? (Exodus 1)
- Does it prohibit me from practicing my Christian beliefs? (Daniel 6)
- Are exemptions available to accommodate conscience? (Acts 22:25)
When Christians encounter tensions between civic law and their biblical values, prayerful discernment is needed along with patient efforts to reform unjust structures through legal means. Scripture neither demands blind obedience to the state nor promotes violent revolution. As citizens of God’s Kingdom called to advance His righteous purposes within every society, Christians should thoughtfully seek out creative ways to extend God’s justice and truth – even in the face of opposition. Our ultimate hope remains in Christ’s triumphant return and reign.