10 Bible Verses About Authority
Do you ever feel like everyone wants different things from you? Your boss might want one thing, while your family needs something else. It’s easy to feel confused about who to listen to.
The good news is you can turn to God. The Bible says He is the highest power; He created everything and gave us rules to follow.
When you follow God, you can let go of the pressure and confusion. You can feel confident that you’re on the right path. If you feel lost or stressed, check out these Bible verses about authority.
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.”
Romans 13:1 says it’s important to listen to those in charge. It teaches that God gives power to leaders, suggesting that He placed these leaders for a reason, even if we don’t always understand or agree with them. We should respect and follow their rules because they help keep order.
This part of the Bible tells us to be good citizens while keeping God first. Following the rules can show respect to God, as long as those rules don’t go against what He wants us to do.
Colossians 1:16

“For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:16 shows us how important God is; He is in charge of everything, both on Earth and in the spirit world, including leaders and powerful beings. This means that everyone with any kind of power got it from Him.
It also reminds us that everything, including those who rule and have authority, exists to serve God. When we understand how important He is, we can see why He matters so much in our lives. This helps us realize that He is the reason for everything that exists.
Matthew 28:18

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'”
This powerful verse states that Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. Every part of our lives is under His control. As His followers, we can take comfort and find courage in this fact.
Knowing our Lord and Savior has complete power helps us face challenges head-on. We can trust He guides and protects us, which strengthens our faith in His strength and love. This covers us in every situation we face.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
This passage encourages us to work together with our leaders instead of feeling annoyed. When we have this team spirit, it improves our spiritual lives and helps create a strong community.
By choosing to follow and listen to our leaders, we help make a friendly and supportive place where everyone can grow in their faith and love. This attitude shows respect for the authority God has given us, which ultimately helps us grow and feel better overall.
1 Peter 2:13–14
“Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well.”
We demonstrate our total obedience to God’s power by respecting and following the rules and leaders He has put in place as long, as they don’t go against His instructions.
Government officials have the job of keeping society in order handing out punishments for wrongdoing, and giving rewards for good deeds. This approach shows God’s sense of justice and kindness, helping the community grow under His direction and pushing people to behave in line with His plans.
Ephesians 6:1–3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.'”
As children grow into adults, it’s important to remember the value of respecting our parents and their authority. Even when we disagree, we should still show respect.
This respect isn’t just a nice thing to do; it connects to our understanding that God has placed parents in charge of the family. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the guidance and sacrifices our parents have made and strengthens the importance of respect in our relationships.
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Working with government officials and following the law shows our obedience to God’s authority. We should obey those in power unless their orders go against the Bible.
This helps us represent Jesus and His teachings well. It shows that our main loyalty is to God’s eternal kingdom, even while we do our jobs here on Earth. This balance demonstrates how we can manage both our heavenly and earthly responsibilities.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
“I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.”
1 Timothy 2:1–2 tells Christians to pray for everyone, especially those in power like government officials and presidents, as their choices affect our communities. Again, we are reminded to obey those in charge unless their orders go against the Bible.
This way, we can represent Jesus and His teachings in our daily lives. Through prayer and respect, we can make a positive impact while staying true to our faith.
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.”
This verse uses a river as a comparison to show how God guides and has an influence on the hearts and choices of leaders. It highlights that, no matter how strong or important an earthly ruler might seem, the Bible tells us their heart and decisions are like a stream.
God can change the direction of this stream to fit His bigger plans. In the end, this reminds us that His power is above human power, and He can shape how leaders rule in ways that match what He wants.
1 Corinthians 15:24
“Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.”
Our last verse teaches us that God wins over every kind of power, both on Earth and in the spirit world. He’s in charge of everything He made, including all types of leaders. No power, human or not, can beat His plan.
This shows us God is in control, which helps us trust Him more. He makes everything happen the way He wants. Even when things seem unsure, we can feel safe knowing God is the boss of everything. His plans will always work out, no matter what tries to stop them.