Topical Bible: Government: Paternal Functions of

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The concept of government as a paternal entity is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where governing authorities are often depicted as having responsibilities akin to those of a father towards his children. This paternal function encompasses protection, provision, guidance, and discipline, reflecting the character of God as the ultimate sovereign and father.

Protection and Security

One of the primary roles of government, as seen in Scripture, is to provide protection and maintain order. Romans 13:3-4 states, "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This passage highlights the government's role in safeguarding its citizens from harm and ensuring justice, much like a father who protects his family.

Provision and Welfare

Governments are also tasked with ensuring the welfare of their people, providing for their needs and supporting the vulnerable. This is reflected in the biblical mandate for rulers to care for the poor and needy. Proverbs 29:14 states, "A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever." The paternal function here is evident in the expectation that leaders will act justly and compassionately, ensuring that all members of society are cared for.

Guidance and Leadership

The Bible frequently portrays leaders as shepherds, guiding their people with wisdom and integrity. Psalm 78:72 describes David's leadership: "So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands." This imagery underscores the paternal role of government in providing direction and moral leadership, akin to a father guiding his children in the way they should go.

Discipline and Correction

Discipline is another aspect of the paternal function of government. Just as a father disciplines his children for their growth and well-being, so too does the government have the responsibility to correct and discipline its citizens. Hebrews 12:9 draws a parallel between divine and earthly discipline: "Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of spirits and live?" This principle is mirrored in the role of government to enforce laws and maintain societal order.

Moral and Spiritual Oversight

While the primary role of government is not spiritual, the Bible does suggest that rulers have a responsibility to uphold moral standards. Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." This reflects the expectation that leaders will promote righteousness and justice, serving as moral exemplars for their people.

In summary, the paternal functions of government as depicted in the Bible encompass a broad range of responsibilities, including protection, provision, guidance, discipline, and moral oversight. These functions are intended to reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate authority and father figure, providing a model for earthly governance.

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Genesis 41:25-57
And Joseph said to Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God has showed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
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Library

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... both by the structure and the government of the ... God unless he has previously tasted
his paternal love, and ... are confined to the performance of bodily functions. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

Home-Discipline.
... Played on his lips, and in his speech was heard Paternal sweetness, dignity ... Discipline
involves the judicial and executive functions of the home-government. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... also they are all called fathers in the Scriptures, as those who in their government
perform the functions of a father, and should have a paternal heart toward ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

ii.
... sustain worthily and efficiently the functions incumbent upon ... which body conducted
the government of the ... Frederick had looked with true paternal compassion on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/ii.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... His paternal house stood on that well-known slope ... redress grievances; and a legal
government was supported ... his exercise of the immense functions entrusted to ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... a direct interest in his careful fulfilment of the priestly functions, and his ... avoided
associating them in any public acts of worship or government, and we ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... the king's messengers" were employed, whose functions in time ... where the partisans
of the Egyptian government had suffered ... for the defects of the paternal origin ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Justifying or Sanctifying Grace
... Dei adoptivus), with a claim to the paternal inheritance, ie ... did not exercise one
of the functions it invariably ... has for its object the government of intellect ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 justifying or sanctifying.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... of having the gospel preached to them and to the neighboring tribes; the enterprise
was also highly favored by the United States government, particularly by ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

The Origin of Species.
... the child that resembled neither the paternal nor the ... differing very widely in their
habits and functions. ... a consular agent of the French Government in various ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm