“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1
Bible Verses About Authority
Genesis 1:26 – God creates humanity with authority over the earth.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'” – Genesis 1:26
Exodus 18:21 – Jethro advises Moses to delegate authority.
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” – Exodus 18:21
Romans 13:2 – Resisting authority is resisting God’s command.
“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” – Romans 13:2
Titus 3:1 – Be obedient and ready to do whatever is good.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” – Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13 – Submit to every human authority for the Lord’s sake.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13
Matthew 28:18 – Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'” – Matthew 28:18
James 4:7 – Submit to God and resist the devil.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Philippians 2:10 – Every knee should bow under Jesus’ authority.
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” – Philippians 2:10
Hebrews 13:17 – Submit to your leaders and follow their authority.
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
1 Corinthians 11:3 – The order of authority in the church and home.
“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3
Luke 10:19 – Authority given to believers over the enemy.
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
Colossians 3:20 – Children are called to obey their parents.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
John 19:11 – Authority comes from above.
“Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.'” – John 19:11
Proverbs 29:2 – Righteousness leads to authority and stability.
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2
2 Peter 2:10 – The authority of self-willed teachers.
“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” – 2 Peter 2:10
Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven, under His authority.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20
Job 31:14 – God has authority over every soul.
“What will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account?” – Job 31:14
Matthew 18:18 – Authority given to believers to bind and loose.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 18:18
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Prayers for those in authority.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Matthew 7:29 – Jesus taught as one who had authority.
“And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority.” – Matthew 7:29
Genesis 9:6 – Authority and the sanctity of life.
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” – Genesis 9:6
Matthew 16:19 – Keys of the kingdom given to Peter.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:19
Ephesians 6:1 – The call for obedience and honor from children.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Luke 20:20 – Authority as it pertains to judgment.
“Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.” – Luke 20:20
1 Peter 5:5 – Humility towards authority.
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Isaiah 52:7 – The authority of peace and salvation.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” – Isaiah 52:7
Colossians 2:10 – Completion in Christ’s authority.
“And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” – Colossians 2:10
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on authority reminds us that it is both a gift and a responsibility from God. We see that we are called to submit to authorities, recognizing their role in God’s order. This concept extends beyond government and leaders; it encompasses our relationships within families, churches, and communities. Understanding authority aligns us with God’s will and invites blessings in our lives.
Choosing to honor authority figures does not mean that we blindly follow; instead, it calls for discernment and wisdom in our actions and words, leading us towards fulfilling our purpose.
As we navigate life, let’s remember to search the scriptures for guidance and insights on authority. For more related topics, check out Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice or explore the power of Singing and Dancing.