The term "civil" in a biblical context often pertains to matters relating to the governance, societal laws, and interactions among individuals within a community or nation. The Bible provides numerous insights into civil responsibilities, justice, and the role of government, reflecting God's desire for order, justice, and righteousness in human society.

Civil Government and Authority

The Bible acknowledges the establishment of civil authorities as part of God's divine order. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the belief that civil authorities are instituted by God to maintain order and justice.

Justice and the Rule of Law

The concept of justice is central to civil life in the Bible. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, contains numerous civil laws designed to ensure justice and fairness within the community. Exodus 23:6-7 instructs, "You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty." These laws emphasize the importance of impartiality and integrity in legal matters.

Civil Responsibilities of Believers

Believers are called to live peaceably and responsibly within their communities. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , it is written, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers." This passage highlights the duty of Christians to respect and obey civil authorities as a testimony of their faith.

Civil Disobedience

While the Bible advocates for submission to civil authorities, it also acknowledges situations where obedience to God takes precedence. Acts 5:29 records the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" This principle is applied when civil laws directly contradict God's commands, suggesting that allegiance to God is paramount.

Role of Civil Leaders

The Bible provides guidance on the qualities and responsibilities of civil leaders. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan." Leaders are expected to rule with righteousness and justice, reflecting God's character in their governance.

Civil Peace and Harmony

The Bible encourages believers to seek peace and harmony within their communities. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation calls for proactive efforts to maintain civil peace and resolve conflicts amicably.

In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of civil life, emphasizing the importance of justice, the role of government, and the responsibilities of individuals to live in accordance with God's principles while respecting civil authorities.1. (a.) Pertaining to a city or state, or to a citizen in his relations to his fellow citizens or to the state; within the city or state.

2. (a.) Subject to government; reduced to order; civilized; not barbarous; -- said of the community.

3. (a.) Performing the duties of a citizen; obedient to government; -- said of an individual.

4. (a.) Having the manners of one dwelling in a city, as opposed to those of savages or rustics; polite; courteous; complaisant; affable.

5. (a.) Pertaining to civic life and affairs, in distinction from military, ecclesiastical, or official state.

6. (a.) Relating to rights and remedies sought by action or suit distinct from criminal proceedings.

1378. dogma -- an opinion, (a public) decree
... decree, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical) --
decree, ordinance. see GREEK dokeo. (dogma) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1378.htm - 6k

1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer
... episkopos Phonetic Spelling: (ep-is'-kop-os) Short Definition: overseer, supervisor,
ruler Definition: (used as an official title in civil life), overseer ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1985.htm - 8k

6496. paqid -- commissioner, deputy, overseer
... From paqad; a superintendent (civil, military or religious) -- which had the charge,
governor, office, overseer, (that) was set. see HEBREW paqad. 6495, 6496 ...
/hebrew/6496.htm - 6k

5057. nagid -- a leader, ruler, prince
... Or nagid {naw-gheed'}; from nagad; a commander (as occupying the front), civil,
military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes ...
/hebrew/5057.htm - 6k

Of Civil Affairs.
... Article XVI: Of Civil Affairs. Of Civil Affairs they teach that lawful civil
ordinances are good works of God, and that it is right ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xvi of civil affairs.htm

The Civil Trial
... CHAPTER IV. THE CIVIL TRIAL. In the chapter before last we saw the Sanhedrim
pass a death sentence on Jesus. Gladly would they have ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter iv the civil trial.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters purely Religious,
and pertaining to the Conscience. Concerning the Power ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

Of Civil Government.
... OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. ... A special exposition of the three
leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec.4-32. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Article xxxvi the Magistracy Civil Government...
... Article XXXVI The Magistracy Civil Government? The Magistracy (Civil
Government) We believe that our gracious God, because of ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxxvi the magistracy civil.htm

Christ Refuses to Interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15 ...
... SAMARIA. Section 209. Christ refuses to interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke,
xii., 13-15.)"His Decision in the Case of the Adulteress. ...
/.../section 209 christ refuses to.htm

And Now a Civil War Broke Out Between Constantine and Maxentius. . ...
... Chap. XLIV. And now a civil war broke out between Constantine and Maxentius.?
And now a civil war broke out between Constantine and Maxentius. ...
/.../lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xliv and now a.htm

The Civil War --Antecedents and Consequences.
... A HISTORY OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY. CHAPTER XIX. THE CIVIL WAR"ANTECEDENTS
AND CONSEQUENCES. IT has been observed that for nearly ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter xix the civil warantecedents.htm

About These Times, Civil War, as we have Said...
... About these times, civil war, as we have said? About these times, civil war, as
we have said, had broken out; and the following was the cause of the tumult. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxix about these times.htm

Of the Civil Dissension Occasioned by the Sedition of the Gracchi.
... Book III. Chapter 24."Of the Civil Dissension Occasioned by the Sedition
of the Gracchi. The civil wars originated in the seditions ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the civil dissension.htm

Civil (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Civil (4 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Mark 3:24 For if civil war
breaks out in a kingdom, nothing can make that kingdom last; (WEY). ...
/c/civil.htm - 8k

Magistrate (9 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A public civil officer invested with authority.
The Hebrew shophetim, or judges, were magistrates having ...
/m/magistrate.htm - 15k

Civilian (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One skilled in the civil law. 2. (n.)
A student of the civil law at a university or college. 3 ...
/c/civilian.htm - 6k

Establishment (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That which is established; as: (a) A form of government, civil or
ecclesiastical; especially, a system of religion maintained by the civil power; ...
/e/establishment.htm - 8k

Calendar
... 1. (n.) An orderly arrangement of the division of time, adapted to the purposes
of civil life, as years, months, weeks, and days; also, a register of the year ...
/c/calendar.htm - 13k

Keys (2 Occurrences)
... (4) The extension of the authority of the keys to include civil matters is a contention
of the Roman church, shared in modified form by some Protestants. ...
/k/keys.htm - 32k

Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... it. 4. The Murder of Naboth: Wrong religious principles have their counterpart
in false ethical ideals and immoral civil acts. Ahab ...
/a/ahab.htm - 52k

Period (43 Occurrences)
... MAIN EVENTS 1. Struggles of Individual Tribes 2. Civil Strife 3. The Six Invasions
4. Need of Central Government V. RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS VI. ...
/p/period.htm - 34k

Power (862 Occurrences)
... (4) The extension of the authority of the keys to include civil matters is a contention
of the Roman church, shared in modified form by some Protestants. ...
/p/power.htm - 66k

Year (4027 Occurrences)
... 1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the
vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in ...
/y/year.htm - 26k

How should a Christian view the civil rights movement? | GotQuestions.org

When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

Is it allowable for a Christian to have a life partner without a civil marriage? | GotQuestions.org

Civil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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