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What does the Bible say about respecting those in leadership?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls Christians to honor, pray for, and ordinarily submit to those God has placed in authority, while obeying God above all. Romans 13:1-14 teaches that civil authorities are ordained by God for public order, and Exodus 22:28 forbids speaking contemptuously of rulers. In the church, Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to receive faithful oversight with a willing spirit, while Hebrews 13:7 calls them to remember and imitate godly leaders. First Thessalonians 5:12-14 commends respect for those who labor in pastoral care. This honor is not blind obedience: all leaders remain accountable to Christ and His Word. Humility, love, and the golden rule should shape both leaders and those they serve.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 13:17 6 votes

    Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

  • Romans 13:1-14 4 votes

    [1] Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, [4] for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. [8] Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. [9] For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." [10] Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. [11] Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. [12] The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light. [13] Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

  • Exodus 22:28 4 votes

    "You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 3 votes

    [12] But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, [13] and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

  • Ephesians 6:1 2 votes

    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

  • Romans 13:1 2 votes

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

  • Philippians 2:3 2 votes

    doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;

  • 1 Peter 2:17 2 votes

    Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

  • Hebrews 13:7 2 votes

    Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.

  • Matthew 7:12 2 votes

    Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

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