Government stirs up strong feelings, doesn’t it? Whether it’s frustration with policies or debates about leadership, we often hear phrases like “the government works for the people” or “power comes from the people.” These ideas are baked into many modern systems, especially democracies. But what does the Bible say about this? For Christians, Scripture offers a lens that might surprise us—one where government’s authority, purpose, and our response to it all point back to God, not us. Let’s explore this together, with some biblical truth to guide us.
The Origin of Government: God’s Authority, Not Ours
First, the Bible is clear: government isn’t something we dreamed up. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 13:1-2:
“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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:1-2, KJV)
This is a big deal. Whether it’s a king, a president, minister, council, all authority comes from God—not from votes, consent, or revolutions. The idea that “government derives its power from the people” might describe how democracies function, but Scripture says its true source is divine. God sets up rulers and systems to maintain order.
Now, you might be thinking: “But don’t we choose our leaders?” Sure, in some places we do. And that’s a privilege—a stewardship. But even then, the Bible insists God is the ultimate authority behind it all. Daniel 2:21 says He “removes kings and sets up kings.” So, while we might cast ballots, God’s the one directing the bigger story. Government isn’t our servant—it’s His.
Does Government Work for Us?
We often hear “the government works for the people” or “the people are the authority, and government is the servant.” It’s a nice thought—who doesn’t want to feel in charge? But Romans 13:4 shifts the focus:
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:4, KJV)
Notice that? The government serves God, not us directly. Its job is to carry out His will—punishing evil and promoting good. We benefit from that, sure, but it’s not about answering to our whims. It’s accountable to God’s standards, not public opinion polls. This flips the typical notion on its head: the people aren’t the ultimate authority; God is.
Why Governments Exist: Justice and Order
So why does government exist? Paul explains in Romans 13:3-4:
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:3-4, KJV)
Government exists to punish evil and promote good. It’s God’s servant, tasked with upholding justice and ensuring peace. The Apostle Peter reinforces this in 1 Peter 2:13-14:
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” (1 Peter 2:13-14, KJV)
From speed limits to criminal laws, government reflects God’s desire for a society where righteousness thrives and evil is punished. It’s not perfect—human leaders fail—but its purpose is rooted in God’s character.
Our Response: Honor and Submission
The Scripture does not stop at theory—it calls us to action. Titus 3:1 instructs us how to live under it:
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,” (Titus 3:1, KJV)
Submission isn’t a popular word today, it isn’t weakness either; it’s trust in God’s sovereignty. By honoring authority, we’re trusting that God is sovereign, even when leaders disappoint us. Take Daniel as an example. In Daniel 6, he served faithfully under a pagan king, Darius. But when a decree forbade prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel didn’t waver—he prayed to God and faced the lions’ den. His submission wasn’t blind; it was bounded by his allegiance to God.
Jesus modeled this balance too. In Matthew 22:21, when asked about taxes, He famously said:
“They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21, KJV)
We pay our taxes, obey the law—but never forget where our ultimate loyalty lies.
What If Government Violates God’s Law?
But what happens when government oversteps? When it demands what God forbids or forbids what God commands? The apostles faced this in Acts 5:29, declaring:
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, KJV)
They’d been ordered to stop preaching the gospel, but they kept going—peacefully, respectfully, and ready to face the consequences.
Look at Daniel in Daniel 6. He served King Darius faithfully, but when a law banned prayer to God, he didn’t comply. He prayed anyway, faced the lions, and trusted God. Here’s the kicker: he didn’t curse the king or rally a revolt. He honored the authority even while disobeying a wrong command. We understand that we obey God over men, but Christians are not insurrectionists.
No Rebellion, No Railing Accusations
That’s a big point: Christians don’t storm the gates or plot coups. Paul and Peter wrote under Rome—a regime that tortured believers—yet they said to honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17) and pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). No rebellion, even under tyranny.
And check this out—Jude 9:
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (Jude 1:9, KJV)
If an angel won’t trash-talk Satan, we shouldn’t speak evil of others, including those ruling. It’s not our place to bring railing accusations against those on the other end of the political landscape. Disagree? Absolutely. Slander or vilify? Never. God handles judgment; we don’t.
The Bible’s Unmatched Call: Pray for Persecutors
Here’s where the Bible shines like no other. Paul and Peter didn’t write from comfort—they lived under Rome’s iron fist, where Christians faced brutal persecution. Yet Paul instructs in 1 Timothy 2:1-2:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, KJV)
Peter adds in 1 Peter 2:17:
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17, KJV)
Pause and reflect: pray for the very rulers jailing and persecuting people? Honor an emperor who mocks our faith? This isn’t just surprising—it’s revolutionary. No other book or philosophy dares to set such a standard. It defies our instinct to curse or rebel, calling us instead to love, pray, and trust that God reigns over even the worst leaders. That’s a moral height unmatched anywhere else, rooted in a hope beyond this world. Yes. It’s radical, and it’s unique. No other worldview calls us to bless those who curse us. It’s how we live out trust in God’s plan.
Putting It Into Practice
So, what now? Here’s the takeaway:
- Pray: For all leaders, good or bad (1 Peter 2:17). It’s God’s will—and it brings peace.
- Honor: Speak and act with respect, even in disagreement. No evil words or railing accusation (Jude 9).
- When government violates God’s law, we obey God.
We’re not here to topple systems or demonize opponents. We’re here to shine God’s light, trusting Him with the outcome.
Conclusion: A Higher Perspective
Government’s power doesn’t come from us—it’s from God. It’s not our servant—it’s His. We honor those in power (1 Peter 2:13-17), obey God above all, and steer clear of rebellion or slander (Jude 9). Our hope isn’t in politics—it’s in Christ’s kingdom. So, next time you’re fed up with the news, pray, honor, trust. God’s in charge.