Topical Encyclopedia
Civil disobedience refers to the act of intentionally disobeying a law or command of a governing authority to protest against policies or actions deemed unjust or immoral. Within a biblical context, civil disobedience is considered when the laws of man conflict with the laws of God. The Bible provides several instances where civil disobedience is portrayed, often highlighting the tension between obeying earthly authorities and remaining faithful to divine commandments.
Biblical Instances of Civil Disobedience1.
Hebrew Midwives in Egypt: In
Exodus 1:15-21, the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh's orders to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. Their fear of God led them to preserve life, and as a result, God dealt well with them and gave them families of their own. This act of civil disobedience was rooted in their reverence for God's commandment to value life.
2.
Moses and Pharaoh: Moses repeatedly confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites as instructed by God (Exodus 5-12). Despite Pharaoh's authority, Moses prioritized God's command over the king's decrees, demonstrating a clear instance of civil disobedience in pursuit of divine justice and liberation.
3.
Daniel and the Lions' Den: In
Daniel 6, Daniel defied King Darius's edict prohibiting prayer to any god or man other than the king. Daniel continued to pray to God, resulting in his being thrown into the lions' den. His unwavering commitment to God's law over the king's decree exemplifies civil disobedience motivated by faithfulness to God.
4.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: In
Daniel 3, these three men refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, choosing instead to face the fiery furnace. Their act of defiance was based on their allegiance to God, who forbade idolatry. Their civil disobedience was rewarded by divine protection and a powerful testimony to God's sovereignty.
5.
Apostles in the New Testament: In
Acts 4:18-20 and
Acts 5:27-29, Peter and John were commanded by the Sanhedrin to cease preaching in the name of Jesus. They responded, "We must obey God rather than men" (
Acts 5:29). Their civil disobedience was driven by their mission to spread the Gospel, prioritizing divine commission over human authority.
Theological ConsiderationsThe Bible acknowledges the role of government and the importance of obeying authorities, as seen in
Romans 13:1-7, where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instituted by God. However, this submission is not absolute. When human laws directly contradict God's commands, believers are called to obey God first.
Civil disobedience in the Bible is not an endorsement of lawlessness but a call to uphold God's higher moral law. It requires discernment, courage, and a willingness to face potential consequences for standing firm in one's faith. The biblical examples of civil disobedience emphasize the importance of aligning actions with God's will, even in the face of opposition from earthly powers.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 13:1-7Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 13:1
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Daniel 3:1-30
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was three score cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
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1 Peter 2:13
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
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Romans 13:1-14
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
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Library
ObedientDisobedience
... The limits ofcivil obedience are clearly drawn.... But if they, transcending their
sphere, claim obedience which can only be rendered bydisobedience to Him who...
Of the Justice of the Punishment with which Our First Parents were...
... subjected to us, now torments us by insubordination, although ourdisobedience brought
trouble... a powerful influence in the soul of tyrants, ascivil wars bear...
Contents. Lecture I.
... Whatdisobedience to moral law cannot consist in. " Whatdisobedience to moral law
must consist in 180.... No form ofcivil government universally obligatory....
Home-Government.
... It does not, therefore, rest uponcivil legislation, but has its foundation in... the
severe penalties attached, in the Mosaic law, todisobedience of parental...
Easter Tuesday
... and commanding the obedience of the people; that teachingdisobedience to them was
equivalent to teachingdisobedience to parents and tocivil government, yes...
Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded.
... These are necessary to the subsistence ofcivil and ecclesiastical communities... might
be extorted by fear; but this is preferable todisobedience; otherwise fear...
Deuteronomy
... Obedience to the divine commands will bring life and blessing,disobedience will
be... be classified as affecting (a) religious (xii.-xvi.), (b)civil (xvii.-xx...
Non-Resistants.
... the operation of law, except by meekly submitting to the penalty ofdisobedience....
in low places; to apply our principles to all existingcivil, political, legal...
"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me...
... All your thoughts are busied aboutcivil liberty; but you do not consider... them; namely,
the lusts of the world, ignorance of God, unbelief, anddisobedience....
To Charles ii.
... to thee by good experience to be more consistent with Christianity andcivil society,
and... do, so long as the devil rules in the children ofdisobedience; I was...
Resources
Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible require the death penalty for homosexuality? | GotQuestions.orgCivil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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