What does the Bible say about court?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that courts are ordained means for seeking public justice, protecting the innocent, settling disputes, and upholding God’s righteous law with impartiality. In Israel, difficult cases were brought before recognized judges and elders at the gate, as seen in Numbers 27:2, Deuteronomy 21:19, Deuteronomy 22:15, Deuteronomy 25:7, and Ruth 4:1. Joshua 20:4 shows that even the accused received a hearing, while 2 Chronicles 19:8-11 commands judges to act faithfully, fearing the Lord rather than showing partiality. The church also exercises spiritual judgment through careful discipline and reconciliation in Matthew 18:15-18 and John 20:23. Civil and church courts alike should serve truth, peace, repentance, and the glory of God.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- ECCLESIASTICAL 1 Chronicles 26:29-32; 2 Chronicles 19:8-11; Matthew 18:15-18; John 20:23
- See CHURCH, DISCIPLINE IN
- CIVIL
- Held at the tabernacle Numbers 27:2
- The gates of cities Deuteronomy 21:19; Deuteronomy 22:15; Deuteronomy 25:7; Joshua 20:4; Ruth 4:1; Zechariah 8:16
- Under a palm tree Judges 4:5
- COMPOSITION OF, AND MODE OF PROCEDURE Exodus 18:25; Exodus 18:26; Deuteronomy 1:15-17; Deuteronomy 17:9; Ruth 4:2-5; 1 Chronicles 26:29-32; 2 Chronicles 19:8-11; Matthew 26:54-71; Mark 14:53; Mark 14:55-65; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:50-71
- See JUDGE
- See JUSTICE
- See PRIEST, JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF
- CIRCUIT 1 Samuel 7:15-17
- SUPERIOR, AND INFERIOR Exodus 18:21-26; Deuteronomy 1:15-17; Deuteronomy 17:8-13; 2 Chronicles 19:5-10
- JUSTICE REQUIRED OF Exodus 23:2; Exodus 23:3; Exodus 23:6-8; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 25:1; 2 Chronicles 19:5-10
- See JUDGE
- See JUSTICE
- SENTENCE OF, FINAL AND OBLIGATORY Deuteronomy 17:8-12
- CONTEMPT OF Deuteronomy 17:8-13; Micah 5:1; Acts 23:1-5
- CORRUPT Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 29:26; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 5:23; Isaiah 10:1; Isaiah 10:2; Micah 3:11; Micah 7:3; Zephaniah 3:3; Matthew 26:59-62; Matthew 27:18-26; Mark 14:53
- See BRIBERY
- See JUDGE
- See JUSTICE
- ACCUSED SPOKE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE Jeremiah 26:11-16; Mark 15:3-5; Acts 4:8-12; Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:29-32; Acts 7:1-56; Acts 23:1-7; Acts 26:1-32
- See APPEAL
- See PUNISHMENT
- See WITNESS
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