Civil disobedience can be a complex issue for Christians. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about obeying authorities and standing for righteousness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Cities
What Does The Bible Say About Civil Disobedience
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing obedience to God over obedience to human authority. It reminds us that there may be times when civil disobedience is necessary in order to remain faithful to God’s commands.
Daniel 3:17-18
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
This verse portrays the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who chose to defy the king’s idolatrous decree. Despite the consequences they faced, they remained steadfast in their commitment to worshiping God alone.
Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.
In this verse, the midwives chose to disobey the pharaoh’s order to kill all male Hebrew babies. Their fear of God motivated them to protect the innocent lives, demonstrating a higher allegiance to God’s moral law.
Matthew 22:21
They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
This verse presents Jesus’ response when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar. It teaches that while we are called to submit to earthly authority, we must also give to God what rightfully belongs to Him, including our devotion, worship, and obedience to His commands.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Queen Esther’s courageous decision to approach the king, despite the potential consequences, serves as an example of civil disobedience for a noble cause. She risked her life to intercede for her people, showing the importance of standing up against injustice.
Acts 4:18-20
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
In this passage, Peter and John defy the religious authorities’ order not to speak about Jesus. They firmly declare their commitment to obeying God rather than human commands, emphasizing the priority of sharing the gospel and the truth of Christ.
Acts 16:37
But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”
Paul asserts his rights as a Roman citizen, calling out the unlawful actions of the magistrates. By refusing to quietly accept mistreatment, he highlights the need to challenge injustice and oppression, even in the face of personal harm.
Joshua 2:4-6
But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.”
Rahab’s deceptive actions to protect the Israelite spies demonstrate her disobedience towards the king of Jericho. Although lying is generally condemned, her disobedience in this instance was driven by a desire to align herself with God’s chosen people and escape the impending destruction.
1 Kings 18:4
And when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.
Obadiah’s act of hiding and providing for the prophets despite Queen Jezebel’s command to kill them reveals his disobedience to a wicked ruler. He risked his own position and life to protect the Lord’s prophets, demonstrating a commitment to God’s will over human authority.
Judges 6:25-27
That night the LORD said to him, “Take your father’s bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of the stronghold here, with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down.” So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night.
Gideon’s act of destroying his father’s altar to Baal, in obedience to God’s command, displays his defiance against the false worship and idolatry prevailing in his community. He overcame his fear and risked the disapproval of his family and town to fulfill God’s calling.
Acts 7:59-60
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen’s prayer for forgiveness and his plea to not hold the sins of those stoning him demonstrates his defiance against retaliation and revenge. Despite the cruelty inflicted upon him, he followed the example of Jesus, who taught to love and forgive our enemies.
1 Samuel 14:43-45
Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die.
Jonathan’s disobedience to his father Saul’s rash command not to eat illustrates the importance of evaluating the reasonability of authority’s instructions. The people’s refusal to let Jonathon be killed emphasizes the recognition of his righteous and faithful actions in helping bring salvation to Israel.
1 Kings 21:3
But Naboth said to Ahab, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
Naboth’s refusal to sell his ancestral land to King Ahab, despite the king’s persistent demand, exemplifies his commitment to honor the sacredness of God’s provisions. This act of civil disobedience upheld the principle that even kings should not abuse their power or violate God’s commands.
Acts 23:2-5
And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'”
Paul’s response to being struck by the high priest reveals his desire for justice and respectful adherence to the law. However, when confronted with injustice, he confronted it rather than passively accepting it, highlighting the importance of challenging abuse of authority in appropriate ways.
Psalm 94:20-21
Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
This psalmist’s cry questions the compatibility of wicked rulers with God’s righteousness. It recognizes the harm caused by unjust laws and the condemnation of the innocent. It encourages reflection on the role of civil disobedience in the face of oppressive legislation that contradicts God’s standards.
Acts 19:30-32
But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
The disciples’ and friends’ efforts to prevent Paul from entering the theater, where tensions were escalating, reveal a desire to avoid unnecessary conflict and protect Paul’s safety. This passage presents civil disobedience through their intervention, aiming to maintain peace and avoid potential harm.
Matthew 5:39
But I say, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
This verse challenges the human instinct to retaliate and advocates for nonviolent resistance. It encourages turning the other cheek in the face of aggression, promoting peaceful means of protest and civil disobedience while maintaining a stance against evil.
Acts 12:5
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
The church’s prayers for Peter’s release while he was unjustly imprisoned demonstrate their belief in a higher authority and their hope that God would intervene. This passage highlights the power of collective prayer as a form of protest against the unjust treatment of believers.
Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Paul’s decision to appeal to Caesar in order to have a fair trial, despite the opportunity for potential freedom, exemplifies his commitment to seeking justice through legal means. This act of civil disobedience aimed to challenge the unfair treatment he had experienced and ensure a fair hearing.
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
In this verse, Ruth’s refusal to abandon her mother-in-law, Naomi, highlights her commitment not only to their relationship but also to Naomi’s God. Despite the societal expectations, Ruth’s loyalty and dedication exemplify civil disobedience against cultural norms, choosing to align herself with God’s people.
Acts 4:19
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.”
Peter and John’s response to the religious leaders emphasizes the need for discernment when it comes to obeying human commands conflicting with God’s will. They demonstrate the courage to defy authority when necessary, following their convictions rooted in faith and obedience to God.