Civil Obedience

Civil obedience refers to the duty of Christians to respect and adhere to the laws and authorities established in society. This concept is rooted in the understanding that governing authorities are instituted by God to maintain order and justice. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 13:1-2 : "Let every soul be subject 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, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

The Bible encourages believers to live peaceably and to be exemplary citizens, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with civil authorities. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , Peter writes, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers."

However, civil obedience is not absolute. When human laws conflict with God's commands, Christians are called to obey God rather than men. This principle is illustrated in Acts 5:29 , where Peter and the apostles, when commanded to stop teaching in the name of Jesus, respond, "We must obey God rather than men."

Witness

The concept of witness in the Bible encompasses both the testimony of believers about their faith and the evidence of God's work in the world. Christians are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel and living lives that reflect His teachings. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus commissions His followers, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The role of a witness is not only verbal but also demonstrated through actions. Believers are encouraged to live in a manner that testifies to the transformative power of the gospel. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The witness of a Christian is also a testament to the truth of God's Word and His promises. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds believers, referring to the faithful individuals who have gone before and whose lives bear testimony to God's faithfulness.

In the context of civil obedience, the witness of a Christian is particularly significant. By respecting authorities and living peaceably, believers demonstrate the order and peace that God desires for society. Yet, when civil laws contradict divine commands, the faithful witness of a Christian may involve standing firm in the truth, even at the cost of personal sacrifice, as seen in the lives of the early apostles and countless martyrs throughout history.