Civil Government

Christian Duty Toward Civil Authorities

Confessional Text

Government officials are to be prayed for¹⁴⁶, conscientiously honored, and obeyed. Christians are to obey the civil government, unless the government is commanding us to do what God forbids, or forbidding us from doing what God commands¹⁴⁷.

Scriptural References

[146]

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority

[147]

Daniel 3:16-18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter'

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

Christians have always affirmed a duty to obey government, based on Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. However, there are limits: when government commands what God forbids (worship idols, deny Christ) or forbids what God commands (preach the gospel, worship God), Christians must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). This is principled civil disobedience, not anarchistic rebellion.

African Contextual Commentary

African Christians face difficult questions about government: How should we respond to corruption? What about unjust laws? When is civil disobedience justified? This statement provides biblical guidance: generally obey, pray for leaders, pay taxes, and honor authority. However, when government directly contradicts God's commands, Christians must obey God. If government forbids evangelism, we evangelize anyway. If it demands we worship false gods or deny Christ, we refuse. This is not rebellion for personal or political reasons, but principled obedience to God's higher authority. African believers facing persecution must be prepared to obey God rather than man, while still maintaining respect for the office of government.