The concept that magistrates and governing authorities are appointed by God is deeply rooted in biblical theology and is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This principle underscores the divine sovereignty over human institutions and the belief that all authority ultimately derives from God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the belief that magistrates are appointed by God is found in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 13:1-2 , Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject 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 clearly articulates the idea that all governing authorities, including magistrates, are established by God. It emphasizes the responsibility of believers to submit to these authorities as an act of obedience to God, recognizing their role in maintaining order and justice in society.

Old Testament Precedents

The Old Testament also provides numerous examples of God appointing leaders and judges over His people. In Exodus 18:21-22, Moses is advised by his father-in-law Jethro to appoint capable men as leaders over the people: "But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times."

This passage highlights the importance of selecting leaders who are righteous and God-fearing, suggesting that their authority is sanctioned by God to ensure justice and righteousness among the people.

Role and Responsibility

Magistrates, as appointed by God, are tasked with the responsibility of upholding justice and maintaining order. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , believers are instructed to "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 those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

This directive underscores the role of magistrates as agents of God's justice, tasked with punishing wrongdoing and commending righteousness. Their authority is not arbitrary but is intended to reflect God's moral order.

Divine Accountability

While magistrates are appointed by God, they are also accountable to Him for their actions. The Bible warns against the abuse of power and the perversion of justice. In Proverbs 29:2 , it is written, "When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."

This proverb serves as a reminder that the well-being of society is closely linked to the righteousness of its leaders. Magistrates are called to exercise their authority with integrity and justice, knowing that they will ultimately answer to God for their stewardship.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that magistrates are appointed by God provides a framework for understanding the relationship between divine sovereignty and human governance. It calls believers to respect and submit to authority while also holding leaders accountable to the standards of justice and righteousness established by God.Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter ccxxx. To the Magistrates of Nicopolis.
... To the magistrates of Nicopolis. ... The measures which lay with the God-beloved bishops
have been ... position, as agreement in affection to the appointed bishop, and ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxx to the magistrates.htm

Of the Constant Falsehood of the Devil, and of the Powers and ...
... for wrath upon him who does evil." And for this reason too, magistrates themselves,
having laws ... Earthly rule, therefore, has been appointed by God for the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv of the constant falsehood.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... God has appointed the magistrates to punish the wicked; for so he saith, "Thou shalt
take away the evil from amongst the people, thou shalt have no pity of him ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

The Meaning of the Seventh Seal, that Is, of the Seven Trumpets.
... here mentioned, are those who were appointed to direct ... the performance, by whom it
pleased God to execute ... of which kind are provincial magistrates, and other ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning of the seventh.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Judge?
... contrary, It is written (Dt.16:18): "Thou shalt appoint judges and magistrates in
all ... Reply to Objection 2: A judge is appointed as God's servant; wherefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 6.htm

Of Civil Government.
... not so much for the instruction of magistrates themselves, as to teach others why
there are magistrates, and to what end they have been appointed by God. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Book 4
... only good magistrates, but all who possess authority, though they may exercise tyranny;
for it was not without the authority of God that they were appointed to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 4.htm

Article xxxvi the Magistracy Civil Government...
... We believe that our gracious God, because of the depravity of mankind, has appointed
kings, princes, and magistrates; willing that the world should be governed ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxxvi the magistracy civil.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... shalt thou do as the Lord has appointed, and shalt ... there in the evening, to return
thanks to God that He ... who are not of the dignity of magistrates or ministers ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... So that all magistrates and householders were commanded to ... people; as, First, the
double sacrifices appointed for them on ... 28:9, 10), shadowing how God will be ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm

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