10 Bible Verses about Magistrates
Most Relevant Verses
Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God.
For they are servants of God for your good. But you should be afraid if you do what is evil, because they do not carry the sword [i.e., for executing criminals] for nothing. For they are servants of God who take revenge [on wrongdoing] by punishing the person who does evil.
or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right.
For [our] rulers are not a threat to [the person doing] a good deed, but to [the person doing] an evil one. So, do you want to avoid having to be afraid of the authorities? Then do what is good and you will be commended by them [generally].
First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: "Intercessions" probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people. [Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].
Or, if our gift is encouraging others, we should devote ourselves to encouraging. Or, if our gift is sharing with others, we should do so generously. Or, if our gift is leading others, we should do so diligently. Or, if our gift is showing caring concern for others, we should do it cheerfully.
And when people bring you in front of synagogue assemblies and rulers and authorities [i.e., for judgment], do not worry about how to speak or what you should say.
Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God. Therefore, the person who resists [these] authorities is opposing what God has ordained. And those who oppose [these authorities] will bring judgment on themselves.
Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was the head priest, for it is written [Ex. 22:28], 'You shall not speak evil about a leader of your people.' "
Submit yourselves to every authority set up by people for the Lord's sake. [Submit to] a king as the [highest] authority, or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right.
From Thematic Bible
Foundation » Illustrative of » Magistrates
Magistrates » Wisdom and integrity essential to
Magistrates » Examples of honour rendered to
Magistrates » Should » Judge righteously
Magistrates » Should » Rule in the fear of God
Magistrates » Should » Not take bribes
Magistrates » Should » Be impartial
Magistrates » Wicked--exemplified » Pilate
So, when Pilate saw that he was not convincing anyone, but that a riot was brewing instead, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "I am not responsible for this man's blood. [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say "righteous man's blood"]. You tend to the matter."
Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus flogged and then turned over to be crucified.
Magistrates » Purpose of their appointment
For they are servants of God for your good. But you should be afraid if you do what is evil, because they do not carry the sword [i.e., for executing criminals] for nothing. For they are servants of God who take revenge [on wrongdoing] by punishing the person who does evil.
or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right.
Magistrates » Are ministers of God
For they are servants of God for your good. But you should be afraid if you do what is evil, because they do not carry the sword [i.e., for executing criminals] for nothing. For they are servants of God who take revenge [on wrongdoing] by punishing the person who does evil.
This is the reason why you should pay taxes also. For the authorities are God's servants who continually tend to this matter [i.e., of collecting taxes].
Magistrates » To be wisely selected and appointed
Magistrates » Should » Defend the poor, &c
Magistrates » Should » Judge for God, not for man
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » samuel
Magistrates » Should » Judge wisely
Magistrates » To be prayed for
First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: "Intercessions" probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people. [Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].
Magistrates » Should » Subjection to their authority encouraged
saying, "The experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees teach by the authority of Moses. Therefore, observe and practice everything they urge upon you, but do not follow their example [of living] because they say [the right things] but do not do them.
Magistrates » Wicked--illustrated
Magistrates » Wicked--exemplified » Magistrates in philippi
Then the large crowd began attacking them, and the city officials had their clothes ripped off and ordered them to be beaten. After beating them severely, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailor to have them securely guarded.
Magistrates » Wicked--exemplified » Gallio
And he had them thrown out of the courtroom. Then, all of them [Note: This "all" could refer to the Greeks, the Jews or the Roman officers. Since the text does not specify, it seems most reasonable to suggest it was the Romans] grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the court of justice. But Gallio showed no interest in the whole affair.
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » Nehemiah
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » Joseph
Magistrates » Wicked--exemplified » Sons of samuel
Magistrates » Should » Hate covetousness
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » gideon
Magistrates » Should » Be diligent in ruling
Or, if our gift is encouraging others, we should devote ourselves to encouraging. Or, if our gift is sharing with others, we should do so generously. Or, if our gift is leading others, we should do so diligently. Or, if our gift is showing caring concern for others, we should do it cheerfully.
Magistrates » Should » Seek wisdom from God
Magistrates » Are not a terror to the good, but to the evil
For [our] rulers are not a threat to [the person doing] a good deed, but to [the person doing] an evil one. So, do you want to avoid having to be afraid of the authorities? Then do what is good and you will be commended by them [generally].
Magistrates » Are appointed by God
Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God.
Magistrates » Wicked--exemplified » Felix
He had hoped, along with everything else, that he would receive money from Paul, so he sent for him more frequently and had discussions with him.
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » Daniel
Magistrates » Should » Be faithful to the sovereign
Magistrates » Good--exemplified » Job
Magistrates » Should » Know the law of God
Magistrates » Should » Enforce the laws
Magistrates » Their office to be respected
Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was the head priest, for it is written [Ex. 22:28], 'You shall not speak evil about a leader of your people.' "
Related Topics
- Acceptance Of Bribes
- Attitudes Towards Kings
- Authority
- Authority, of human institutions
- Avoiding Bribes
- Blinding
- Bribery, Is Sin
- Citizenship
- Civic Duties
- Civil Government
- Civil authorities
- Commendation
- Covetousness
- Encouraging Others
- Favouritism
- Fear
- Giving Money To The Church
- Government
- Helping Others In Need
- Honesty
- Honouring Rulers
- Human Authority, Christian Response
- Human Authority, Instituted By God
- Judges
- Judging Rightly
- Judicial Punishment
- Kings, Duties Of
- Lawsuits
- Leaders
- Leaders, Political
- Leadership Qualities
- Loyalty
- Making Decisions
- Ministry, Nature Of
- Nature Of Kings
- Orderliness In Society
- Other Blinding
- Politics
- Power, Human
- Punishment
- Punishment, Nature Of
- Quietness
- Resistance
- Respecting Authority
- Retribution
- Reverence, And Social Behaviour
- Righteous, The
- Rulers
- Security
- Social duties
- Submission
- Taxation
- Ethics, basis of
- Ethics, incentives towards
- Ethics, social
- Evil, warnings against
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