The Bible contains several passages that relate to the topic of sedition, which is incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government. Here is an overview of some of the key Biblical teachings on this issue:
Obedience to Governing Authorities
The Bible stresses the importance of submitting to and obeying governing authorities, viewing them as instituted by God for maintaining order and justice. Passages such as Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, and Titus 3:1 instruct believers to be subject to rulers, obey laws, pay taxes, and honor those in authority. Rebellion or resistance is discouraged except when authorities directly contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29).
Romans 13:1-2 says “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.”
Punishment for Rebellion
The Bible contains accounts of various rebellions against authority that incurred God’s judgment. Korah’s rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron was harshly punished (Numbers 16). The Israelites suffered when rebelling against their rulers (Nehemiah 9:26-27). King Solomon wrote “My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?” (Proverbs 24:21-22). Sedition could bring consequences.
Numbers 16:28-35 describes the judgment against Korah’s rebellion: “And Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord. If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.” And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods.”
Respecting God-Ordained Leadership
Even when rulers are corrupt, the Bible advises seeking change through prayer and prudent influence rather than open rebellion. Passages like Ecclesiastes 10:4 warn against leaving a leadership post just because of an unwise ruler. Jesus criticized Jewish revolutionaries while acknowledging the unrighteousness of certain leaders (Matthew 5:38-48, 23:2-3). Paul even called for honor to be given to the deeply flawed emperor Nero (Philippians 4:22). The emphasis is on working within governmental structures.
1 Peter 2:17 says “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
Civil Disobedience When Ordered to Disobey God
The Bible allows for refusing to follow orders that directly violate God’s commands. When commanded to stop preaching, Peter replied “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Moses’ midwives refused to obey Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:15-21). Daniel openly disobeyed the king’s decree prohibiting prayer to anyone but him (Daniel 6:7-10). But even civil disobedience was carried out respectfully and non-violently.
Exodus 1:17 says the midwives “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.”
God Holds Wicked Rulers Accountable
While urging obedience, the Bible is clear that ungodly leadership and abuse of power ultimately face God’s judgment. God hears the cries of the oppressed and promises to bring justice (Exodus 3:7-10). Warnings are given against oppressive rulers who enact unjust laws and mistreat the people (Psalm 94:20-23, Isaiah 10:1-3). God is patient, but will eventually punish corruption.
Psalm 94:20-21 warns: “Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.”
Examples of Rebellion With Mixed Results
The Bible has some examples of rebellions viewed more favorably, but still with mixed or uncertain results. The uprising against Athaliah to install Joash as the rightful king was considered righteous (2 Kings 11:4-20). Yet Absalom’s rebellion against David, while seeking justice, was condemned (2 Samuel 15-18). The Maccabean revolt sought religious freedom, but only with much violence and upheaval. So results were often uneven or temporary.
2 Kings 11:14 says “And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she went into the house of the LORD to the people.”
Jesus on His Followers and Government Authorities
When asked about paying taxes, Jesus affirmed giving Caesar what is his and giving God what is God’s (Matthew 22:15-22). When falsely accused of inciting rebellion, Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:33-37). While not condoning all actions of rulers, Jesus focused His followers on spiritual rather than political battles.
Jesus told Pontius Pilate in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Apostolic Teachings on Submission to Governing Authorities
The Apostles Peter and Paul both speak extensively on the duty of Christians to submit to government and refrain from rebellion. 1 Peter 2:13-17 instructs to submit to every human authority including the emperor. Romans 13:1-7 stresses obeying rulers, paying taxes, owing no one anything but love. Titus 3:1-2 says to obey rulers and authorities, being ready for every good work.
Titus 3:1 instructs: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
Warnings Against Divisiveness in the Church
The New Testament contains warnings against divisiveness, dissensions, and factions in the church which can apply to stirring up discontent. Passages like 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 16:17-18, and Titus 3:9-11 advise marking and avoiding those causing divisions contrary to sound doctrine. Unity and peace are emphasized for the body of Christ.
Romans 16:17-18 warns to “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
Systems of Government in the Bible
The Bible shows God working across various systems of government without endorsing one system as divine. His people lived under tribal leadership, judges, kings, foreign empires, governors like Pilate, and democracy in synagogues. The emphasis is less on the system, and more on God’s people thriving within it through faithfulness and justice.
1 Peter 2:13 tells Christians “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.”
Godly Change Comes Through Spiritual Transformation
While the Bible recognizes the need to correct injustice, its emphasis for societal change is on transforming hearts through the Gospel. Enduring change comes when God renews minds and His people live out their faith. So the Apostles focused more on godly living, evangelism, and discipleship than overturning structures.
Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Key Principles on Sedition from the Bible
In summary, here are some key Biblical principles that relate to the topic of sedition or rebellion against government:
- Christians are to submit to and obey governing rulers and authorities which are instituted by God.
- Rebellion often incurs consequences and judgment.
- Even unjust rulers should be honored and influenced prudentiy.
- Civil disobedience is allowed when obeying God rather than men.
- God will ultimately hold wicked rulers accountable.
- Examples of rebellion have mixed results.
- Jesus focused on spiritual rather than political battles.
- Apostles emphasized submission rather than revolt.
- Unity and avoiding divisions are important.
- God works across systems of government.
- Change comes through spiritual transformation.
The Bible seeks to find a balance between responsible citizenship on the one hand and obedience to God over man on the other hand. The teachings guide believers to be discerning in navigating challenges related to government and authority structures. The emphasis is on faithfulness no matter the circumstances, while seeking constructive change when and where possible.