Bible Verses About Public Office

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Direct Bible command to obey magistrates

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Direct Bible command on governing authorities

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Prayer for rulers so believers may live peaceably

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Overseer office described as a noble task; useful office language

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Governors are sent for punishment of evildoers

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Direct command about resisting authorities

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

Submit to every human institution for the Lord's sake

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Honor the emperor is direct and relevant

Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Authorities are described as ministers of God