Definition and Scope:
Submission to authority is a biblical principle that involves recognizing and yielding to the positions of leadership and governance established by God. This concept is rooted in the understanding that all authority ultimately derives from God, and therefore, respecting earthly authority is an act of obedience to Him.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible provides numerous passages that emphasize the importance of submission to authority. One of the most direct teachings is found in Romans 13:1-2 : "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."

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, submission to authority is illustrated through the governance of kings, judges, and prophets. For instance, the Israelites were commanded to obey the laws given through Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:12 : "The man who acts presumptuously by refusing to listen to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel."

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament further elaborates on this principle, particularly in the context of the early church and Roman governance. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , believers are instructed: "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."

Jesus and Authority:
Jesus Himself demonstrated submission to authority, both divine and earthly. He acknowledged the authority of the Roman government, as seen in His response to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:21 : "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." Moreover, Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, exemplifying perfect obedience (John 6:38).

Apostolic Example:
The apostles also modeled submission to authority, even when faced with persecution. Acts 5:29 records Peter and the apostles saying, "We must obey God rather than men," highlighting that submission to earthly authority is contingent upon it not conflicting with God's commands.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to respect and pray for those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 : "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity."

Limits of Submission:
While submission to authority is a biblical mandate, it is not absolute. When human laws or commands directly contradict God's laws, believers are to prioritize obedience to God. This principle is evident in the actions of Daniel, who continued to pray despite the king's edict (Daniel 6:10), and the Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:17).

Conclusion:
The biblical principle of submission to authority underscores the importance of order and respect within society, while also affirming the supremacy of God's authority over all.