What does the Bible say about submitting to authority?

Definition of Authority in Scripture

Scripture consistently addresses authority as a divinely instituted concept rooted in the nature of the One who created all things. Throughout the biblical narrative, authority is presented as a structural necessity that promotes order, justice, and righteousness. Multiple early manuscripts, including papyrus fragments such as p46, preserve the apostle Paul’s teachings on authority (e.g., Romans), confirming that these passages have been transmitted accurately through centuries of careful copying by scribes and the early church.

God as the Ultimate Authority

All earthly authorities derive their legitimacy—when exercised justly—from God’s ultimate authority. As Creator, He holds dominion over the universe (Genesis 1:1). Even historical documents and archaeological findings, such as the Babylonian cuneiform inscriptions referencing Nebuchadnezzar, confirm that biblical events involving kings and rulers occurred in actual places and times. These records, in turn, align with the Scriptural truth that God elevates and removes leaders (Daniel 2:21).

Scripture affirms that no human authority supersedes the authority of the Lord: “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours” (1 Chronicles 29:11). In practical terms, while Christians are called to respect the leaders and institutions placed over them, obedience to God stands preeminent when authorities conflict with divine commands (Acts 5:29).

Foundational Passages on Submission

Romans 13:1–2 underscores the principle of submitting to governing authorities: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” This instruction does not arise from arbitrary human convention but from God’s ordained structure.

Elsewhere, believers are instructed: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors…” (1 Peter 2:13–14). The Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient texts confirm the Old Testament laws and wisdom writings that echo this posture of social order under God’s rule (e.g., Proverbs and Deuteronomy), reinforcing that deference to lawful authority has consistently been part of the biblical worldview.

Authority in Family and Workplace

Scripture acknowledges multiple layers within society, including family and work relationships. Children are commanded, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). This familial authority mirrors God’s intent for parents to guide and nurture their children justly.

In the workplace or servitude context, the Bible instructs, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord” (Colossians 3:22). Although the social structures of biblical times differ from modern employment settings, the principle of respecting and honoring legitimate authority remains. This approach fosters peace, mutual respect, and godly testimony.

Biblical Examples of Respecting Authority

1. Joseph under Pharaoh – Despite personal injustices, Joseph served faithfully in Egypt’s government structure. Archaeological confirmation of Egyptian dynasties and grain storage practices offers concrete evidence of a historical setting in which Joseph rose to power (Genesis 41).

2. Daniel under Babylonian Rule – Daniel’s story highlights respectful submission to monarchs like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, yet never at the expense of disobeying God. Even where ancient Babylonian and Persian inscriptions corroborate these reigns, Daniel’s ultimate loyalty lay with God (Daniel 6).

3. Jesus Acknowledging Civil Duty – When questioned on taxes, He answered, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s—but to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). This highlights a principle of respecting temporal authorities while recognizing God’s sovereign ownership over all.

Limits to Submission

Scripture also teaches that believers must not submit to commands that violate God’s laws. The apostles, when forbidden to speak in Jesus’ name, answered, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This passage guides believers where earthly authority directly contradicts the reveals of God, affirming that the highest allegiance is to the Creator’s eternal decree.

The Heart Attitude in Submission

Submission is not a mere external behavior but an outworking of a humble heart. Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” When we show genuine respect for authority, we practice an attitude of humility that stems from acknowledging God’s sovereign hand behind all legitimate leadership.

Practical Application and Encouragement

1. Intercessory Prayer – Scripture calls believers to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). This prayerful approach aligns with both historical and contemporary confirmations that stable societies benefit from morally guided leadership.

2. Active Citizenship – Participation in civic duties, from obeying traffic laws to ethical business practices, demonstrates the Christian ethic of honoring authority structures. As indicated by the survival of numerous early New Testament manuscripts and global church tradition, such behavior has always set believers apart in their communities.

3. Upholding Integrity – Even when human authorities fail or act unjustly, a believer’s integrity and deeper trust in God’s ultimate justice remain essential. Historical instances, like the persistent faithful witness of early Christian martyrs mentioned in the writings of church historians (e.g., Eusebius), show that unwavering devotion to God ultimately testifies to His highest authority.

Summary of Scriptural Teaching

Scripture teaches that submission to authority is part of God’s design for human order. God Himself is the supreme authority, and He appoints earthly rulers. Christians are to obey and honor those in positions of leadership, whether in government, family, church, or the workplace. However, when any human authority demands disobedience to God’s commands, His authority prevails. This biblical balance is consistently affirmed by historical evidence, philosophical reasoning on social order, and textual integrity proven by early manuscripts.

Proper submission reflects God’s character of humble obedience, displayed perfectly by Christ. By honoring laws and leaders in a spirit of humility, believers uphold a testimony that glorifies the Creator, whose ultimate sovereignty governs all.