What does the Bible say about rulers?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that rulers are appointed under God’s sovereign authority to promote public good, restrain wrongdoing, and preserve order, while remaining accountable to the Lord above all. Romans 13:1-4 calls Christians to honor governing authorities and recognize their legitimate role as God’s servants, and 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges prayer for all in authority. Titus 3:1-2 commends readiness for good works and a peaceable spirit. Yet rulers are not ultimate: Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and believers must never give human authorities the allegiance due to God. Proverbs 29:2 notes that righteous rule brings joy, while wicked rule brings grief.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 29:2

    When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; But when the wicked rule, the people groan.

  • 1 Timothy 2:1-2

    [1] I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: [2] for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

  • Titus 3:1-2

    [1] Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, [2] to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

  • Ephesians 6:12

    For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

  • Romans 13:1-2

    [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.

  • Romans 13:4

    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.

  • Colossians 1:16

    For by him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.

  • Proverbs 6:6-8

    [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; [7] Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provides her bread in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

  • Romans 12:19

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

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