Submission to Authorities

There is a rising spirit of self-righteous rebellion that masquerades as standing for truth. Romans 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13 command submission to the authorities God has instituted.

There is a rising spirit of self-righteous rebellion in the church that masquerades as “standing for truth,” but often manifests as defiance against secular authority. Romans 13:1-2 is not a suggestion; it is a divine mandate: “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.” Similarly, 1 Peter 2:13 commands us to be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake. Yet, many believers are quick to invent reasons to rebel against laws they find inconvenient, annoying, or ideologically disagreeable, convincing themselves that they are being “faithful” by being lawless. People twist the example of the Apostles — who only disobeyed when explicitly commanded to stop preaching the Gospel — to justify their own political or social grievances. You are not being a modern-day martyr because you refuse to comply with a tax code, a regulation, or a civic requirement that you simply dislike. Unless an authority explicitly commands you to violate the clear, direct commands of Scripture, your refusal to submit is not faithfulness; it is pride. God has placed these authorities; your responsibility is to lead a quiet and peaceable life, not to stir up unnecessary conflict.

Scriptures Referenced (KJV)

3 key passages from the King James Version (KJV).

“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.”

Romans 13:1 KJV Read Romans chapter 13 →

“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Romans 13:2 KJV Read Romans chapter 13 →

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;”

1 Peter 2:13 KJV — Faith Without Works Is Dead Read 1 Peter chapter 2 →