What does the Bible teach about authority?

from the old testament

• Daniel 2:20–21 says, "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." There is clearly an authority structure in the world, with God as supreme.
• Psalm 103:19 tells us that God's authority is supreme and universal; He reigns over all creation.
• Exodus 18:21–22 gives us an example of selecting authority. Jethro told Moses to give authority to trustworthy individuals who feared God and were capable of leading the people.
• True authority in governance is granted by God, and rulers are expected to govern justly according to His wisdom (Proverbs 8:15–16).

from the new testament

• The world was created with an authority structure built into it. The Godhead has an authority structure with the Son under the Father's authority: "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise'" (John 5:19).
• The authority that Jesus has was given to Him by the Father (Matthew 28:18), and the whole world is under the authority of God.
• God is the one who gives earthly authorities their power. Since God is the one who has ultimately put them in authority, we are to be subject to them (1 Peter 2:13–15).
• Romans 13 tells us what a Christian's attitude should be to government authority: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval" (Romans 13:1–3). God put human governors in place to create order and justice in the world. He will hold them accountable if they do not do this.
• Christ has established roles within the church to equip and guide believers in their spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:11–12). Church authority is entrusted to leaders who are to serve with humility, integrity, and godly character. Elders and deacons must be blameless, self-controlled, and able to teach (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). They are tasked with shepherding the flock, guiding with example and sound doctrine (1 Peter 5). Believers are called to respect and submit to these leaders, as they will give an account to God for their care (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Timothy 5:17-22). Church authority is not for personal gain but for the benefit and growth of the congregation.
• Authority within the family is outlined with roles for both parents and spouses. Ephesians 5:22–33 teaches that husbands are the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, calling husbands to love their wives sacrificially, while wives are called to submit to their husbands in respect and partnership.
• Authority is also given to parents. Colossians 3:20–21 and Ephesians 6:1–4 emphasize that children are to obey their parents in the Lord, while parents are to raise their children with discipline and instruction, not provoking them to anger. Authority must be exercised with care and for the family's well-being.

implications for today

The Bible acknowledges the obvious discrepancy: very few human rulers are righteous. Peter addresses this issue: "Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:18–21). The Bible also teaches that we are to respect those who are working in ministry: "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work" (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).

While it may not be what we want to hear, God has put authority of various kinds in our lives for a reason. He works through these structures to bring justice and order to the world, and He expects us to walk in obedience and respect for those who are in authority over us.