The concept of authority is woven throughout the Bible, serving as a fundamental principle that guides our understanding of God’s design for leadership and how we should live our lives as believers. In essence, authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. When we examine authority in the context of the Bible, we discover that it ultimately originates from God Himself, who bestows it upon various individuals and institutions, such as leaders, governments, and even within the family unit.
The Bible contains numerous verses that shed light on the nature of authority and how it should be exercised. These passages reveal that God is the ultimate source of all authority and that any authority possessed by humans is derived from Him. The scriptures also provide guidance on how those in positions of authority should lead and how those under authority should respond.
As we delve into the topic of authority in the Bible, we will explore 35 powerful verses that illustrate the different aspects of this crucial concept. From the authority of God and Jesus Christ to the authority granted to governments, church leaders, and family members, these verses will help us gain a deeper understanding of how God intends authority to function in our lives.
- Romans 13:1 – “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.”
- Matthew 28:18 – “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'”
- 1 Peter 2:13-14 – “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.”
- Titus 3:1 – “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
- Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
- Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
- John 5:27 – “And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.”
- Colossians 1:16 – “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:24 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.”
- Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
- Daniel 7:14 – “And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
- 1 Samuel 2:10 – “The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
- Psalm 2:10-11 – “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
- Proverbs 8:15-16 – “By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.”
- Ecclesiastes 8:4 – “For the word of a king is supreme, and who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?'”
- Jeremiah 27:5 – “It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me.”
- Daniel 2:20-21 – “Daniel answered and said: ‘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.'”
- John 19:11 – “Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.'”
- Acts 5:29 – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'”
- Romans 9:21 – “Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
- Ephesians 1:20-21 – “[God] raised [Christ] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
- Colossians 2:9-10 – “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
- 1 Timothy 6:15 – “[God] who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
- Titus 2:15 – “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
- 1 Peter 3:22 – “[Christ] has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
- Jude 1:8 – “Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.”
- Revelation 12:10 – “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.'”
- Matthew 8:9 – “For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
- Mark 1:22 – “And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”
- Luke 7:8 – “For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
- John 7:17 – “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”
- John 17:2 – “[Father], you have given [your Son] authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”
My prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the guidance and wisdom Your Word provides on the topic of authority. Help us to understand and apply the principles of authority in our lives, as we submit to the leadership You have placed over us. May we exercise any authority we have been given with humility, integrity, and a heart to serve others. Thank You for the ultimate authority given to Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the privilege of following His example.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
