What does the Bible say about authority?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that all true authority comes from God, is accountable to Christ, and is to be honored in its proper sphere without displacing obedience to God. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18), so every earthly ruler, church elder, parent, and master exercises only delegated authority. Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13 call believers to respectful submission to civil authorities, while Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Timothy 5:17 commend honoring faithful spiritual leaders. Yet when human commands contradict God’s word, Christians must say with the apostles, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), trusting Christ’s sovereign care.