Have you noticed how quickly people start quoting Scripture to support their side of an argument (especially on social media)…whether it’s about immigration, protests…authority. It’s like the Bible has just become a tool to win an argument instead of a guide for living under God.
What does the Bible actually say about following the law? Verses like Romans 13:1 come up often:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
But at the same time, we also see examples in Scripture of civil disobedience—like in Acts 5:29:
“We must obey God rather than men.”
So how do we know when we’re truly honoring God’s Word versus just using it to back up our personal opinions?
I’d love to hear how others in faith think about this.
In the example you gave, Jesus had told the disciples to share the gospel far and wide, but here the Jewish leaders are telling them not speak the name of Jesus. It’s a conflict and Peter chose to obey God rather then men. That applies to us too.
It’s not always so clear. I remember reading about Brother Andrew who was smuggling Bibles into communist countries which was against their law. Some Christians questioned him on what he was doing, but brother Andrew was convinced he was right.
Jesus said to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s. That’s what we have to determine.
You mentioned quoting Scripture to defend an argument. Anyone can do that by reading the Bible. It’s just bringing words into play. It’s what you do that shows who you are and what you believe. Brother Andrew didn’t have an argument on whether smuggling Bibles was right or wrong. He believed it was right and acted on that belief.
Rom 13:1 LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. [Pro_8:15]
Rom 13:2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them].
Rom 13:3 For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation.
Rom 13:4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer.
Rom 13:5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience.
Rom 13:6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service.
Rom 13:7 Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.
The Apostles Arrested and Freed
Act 5:17 But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage,
Act 5:18 They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.
Act 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and, leading them out, said,
Act 5:20 Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed).
Act 5:21 And when they heard this, they accordingly went into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now the high priest and his supporters who were with him arrived and called together the council (Sanhedrin), even all the senate of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison to have [the apostles] brought.
Act 5:22 But when the attendants arrived there, they failed to find them in the jail; so they came back and reported,
Act 5:23 We found the prison quite safely locked up and the guards were on duty outside the doors, but when we opened [it], we found no one on the inside.
Act 5:24 Now when the military leader of the temple area and the chief priests heard these facts, they were much perplexed and thoroughly at a loss about them, wondering into what this might grow.
Act 5:25 But some man came and reported to them, saying, Listen! The men whom you put in jail are standing [right here] in the temple and teaching the people!
Act 5:26 Then the military leader went with the attendants and brought [the prisoners], but without violence, for they dreaded the people lest they be stoned by them.
Act 5:27 So they brought them and set them before the council (Sanhedrin). And the high priest examined them by questioning,
Act 5:28 Saying, We definitely commanded and strictly charged you not to teach in or about this Name; yet here you have flooded Jerusalem with your doctrine and you intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.
Act 5:29 Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men.
Act 5:30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). [Deu_21:22-23]
Act 5:31 God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sins.
Act 5:32 And we are witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit is also, Whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.
Act 5:33 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and infuriated and wanted to kill the disciples.
Act 5:34 But a certain Pharisee in the council (Sanhedrin) named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, highly esteemed by all the people, standing up, ordered that the apostles be taken outside for a little while.
Act 5:35 Then he addressed them [the council, saying]: Men of Israel, take care in regard to what you propose to do concerning these men.
Act 5:36 For before our time there arose Theudas, asserting himself to be a person of importance, with whom a number of men allied themselves, about 400; but he was killed and all who had listened to and adhered to him were scattered and brought to nothing.
Act 5:37 And after this one rose up Judas the Galilean, [who led an uprising] during the time of the census, and drew away a popular following after him; he also perished and all his adherents were scattered.
What we are doing here on social media is commonly called proof-texting, and it closely mirrors the way you handled Acts 5:29.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13
As long as what we say, or do, or what others tell us to do, or what we should say, is in line with the bible, then it is truth. If not, it is against God, and that is whom we must follow.
”Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Jesus made this statement.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30
13:3 For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation.
Except that our “civil authorities” terrorize we people of good conduct. Our civil authorities celebrate sin and make evil law (eg abortion “rights”). How does one reconcile God’s command to “do what is right” in the face of wicked civil authorities?
These passages show that believers are spiritually distinct, not aligned with worldly values, systems, or desires, and their ultimate identity and hope are anchored in Christ and His kingdom.
Shalom sorella.
J.
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. - KJV ↩︎
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. - KJV ↩︎
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. - KJV ↩︎
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - KJV ↩︎
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. - KJV ↩︎
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. - KJV ↩︎
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. - KJV ↩︎
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. - KJV ↩︎
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - KJV ↩︎
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. - KJV ↩︎
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. - KJV ↩︎
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. - KJV ↩︎
This reminds me of an old Steve Martin stand-up bit where he comes out on stage and one of the first thing he says is:
"Know what I hate? When you go to some comedy shows and the comic immediately starts trying to get the audience actively involved in the act. I hate that, absolutley hate that… By a show of hands, who else here hates that?
You say people start quoting Scripture to support their side of an argument, and then quote scripture to support your argument…
The Bible is many things: A guide, a source of strength, a source of comfort, a source of wisdom, a source of answers, flawless. It is also a teaching tool. Yet if two teachers of the same subject, using the same source material, were to teach with their misguided ideologly as a guide to two different classes, both classes would come out misguided. The exception being for those students who question the lesson and test it themselves with the source material. The Bible is your source material. It’s your job to test everything quoted to you from it.
We know we’re honoring God’s Word when the Bible is leading us, not when we’re using verses to prop up opinions. God didn’t give His Word to be edited by experts or softened by trends. He gave it to rule us. “Man shall live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” ~Matthew 4:4.
Another test is context. God’s truth does not contradict itself. When we lift a verse out of its setting or lean on men’s opinions to explain it away, we’re no longer submitting. Scripture warns against being carried off by human wisdom ~Colossians 2:8 and against twisting the Word to fit an agenda ~2 Peter 3:16.
And here’s the heart check. Does God’s Word correct us, restrain us, and call us to obedience? Or does it only confirm what we already wanted to believe? “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” ~James 1:22.
When Scripture governs us in context, we’re honoring God. When it just echoes our preferences, we’re using it.
I think, and I could be wrong, what @JennyLynne was saying here was that it bothers her, as it should bother ALL of us, that someone will attempt to use the Word, to justify their position or opinion When their opinion, or position, has nothing to do with, or is the opposite of, The Word. Example:
There is no god. I do not care what you may say to me. Your own book says so. Not even once, but three times.
“There is no God.” Psalm 14:1, “There is no God.” Psalm 53:1, and even the Prophet Isaiah tells us this: “There is no god.” Isaiah 44:6
See. So don’t give me that garbage, when your own book tells you there is no god. After all, that book you love so much was only written to control people’s lives. It really does not apply to today.Oh, forget it, you are too stupid or brainwashed to have an intelligent conversation.
Are these actual quotes from the Word? Yup. However, here are in complete quotes.
”To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1
“To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.” Psalm 53:1
“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” Isaiah 44:6
I’m thinking this is what she was saying. Again, I could be wrong.
Sister, in your observation you have touched on at least one root cause of the very problem you highlight; that is arguments! (disputes, quarrels, contention, strife, debate, etc.). I know arguments are inevitable, and I even accept they are sometimes unavoidable, but every difference of opinion does not need to generate one, in my opinion. We have many biblical admonitions to avoid them, with as many contrasting positive admonitions to pursue peace. Also, we have equally as many biblical enlightenments that contentions have a “fleshly” source, and that “friendly fire” disputes are an effective tool of our enemy to undermine our testimony. Yet, here we find ourselves; here we too often submit to our secret need to be right, or bow to our egotistic need to be seen as erudite, our carnal stubborness masquerading as “doing God’s Holy work in service of The Kingdom. These quarrels are like destructive fires, set ablaze by unruled tongues according to our brother James, who states “…these things ought not to be so." (James 3:10).
In support, I will add a small historical fact to your astute observation sister @JennyLynne. You mentioned Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)
An often overlooked piece of information here is that we remember Paul is writing to the Church in Rome, saints whom he had never met, who were strategically situated in the very governmental heart of the empire. This huge empire was headed by one of the most ruthless dictators of all times, Nero (.Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) Nero had made himself famous for the persecution of Christians and every Christian knew they resided in an unfriendly, an unfair, and an unjust government hostile to The Truth they loved.
Now, re-read Paul’s admonition to the Romans with this historical setting in mind, and ask yourself how you might have received Paul’s words. Our government ( or the particular government under which the reader resides) is worldly, no doubt. But it is equally doubtful any government was as hostile to Christianity as the one in which Paul penned his encouragement to “be subject to the governing authorities”. Can you imagine?
Brother, your observation rightly identifies a key source of division: disputes (ἔρις, eris), quarrels (φιλονικία, philonikia), contentions (ἐρίζω, erizō), and strife (πάλαι, palai). Scripture repeatedly warns that these arise not from righteous disagreement, but from the flesh and pride. Paul commands that “the servant of the Lord must not strive” (οὐ δεῖ τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ Κυρίου ἐρίζεσθαι, 2 Timothy 2:24[1]), emphasizing that the verb ἐρίζεσθαι indicates a contentious engagement that is self-promoting rather than truth-serving.
Yet, not all differences of opinion require silence.
Paul himself “reasoned” (συζητέω, syzētéō) with the Jews and Greeks in Thessalonica and Athens (Acts 17:2[2]), a verb denoting careful discussion aimed at persuasion through Scripture rather than mere argument.
Similarly, 1 Peter 3:15[3] commands readiness to explain the faith, with ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai), to defend or reason carefully, demonstrating that truthful engagement is not only permitted but required.
The guiding principle is the motive of the heart and the method of communication.
Strife that arises from ἐρίζω or φιλονικία is condemned, because it seeks victory over truth; discussion that arises from συζητέω or ἀπολογέομαι is commanded, because it seeks to clarify, instruct, and preserve the apostolic faith. As James warns, “Where envying and strife (φιλονικία) is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16[4]), showing that the fruit of debate is decisive for its moral evaluation.
Therefore, while arguments and disagreements may appear inevitable in human interaction, Scripture calls us to distinguish contentious disputes from faithful defense of truth. The difference lies in whether our speech serves the glory of God and edification of others (οἰκοδομέα, oikodomea) or our own pride. In every discussion, our aim must be patience (μακροθυμία, makrothumia), gentleness (πραΰτης, prautēs), and truth communicated in love (Ephesians 4:15[5]).
Contention, Contentious
[ 1,G2054, eris ]
strife, quarrel," especially “rivalry, contention, wrangling,” as in the church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 1:11, is translated “contentions” in Titus 3:9, AV. See DEBATE, STRIFE, VARIANCE.
[ 2,G3948, paroxusmos ]
(Eng., “paroxysm”), lit., “a sharpening,” hence “a sharpening of the feeling, or action” (para, “beside,” intensive, oxus, “sharp”), denotes an incitement, a sharp contention, Acts 15:39, the effect of irritation; elsewhere in Hebrews 10:24, “provoke,” unto love. See PROVOKE.
[ 3,G5379, philoneikia ]
lit., “love of strife” (phileo, “to love,” neikos, “strife”), signifies “eagerness to contend;” hence, a “contention,” said of the disciples, Luke 22:24. Cp. B, 2.
[ 4,Adjective,G269, amachos ]
lit., “not fighting” (a, negative, mache, “a fight, combat, quarrel”), primarily signifying “invincible,” came to mean “not contentious,” 1 Timothy 3:3, RV; Titus 3:2 (AV, “not a brawler,” “no brawlers”).
[ 5,Adjective,G5380, philoneikos ]
akin to A, No. 3, is used in 1 Corinthians 11:16. In the Sept., Ezekiel 3:7, “stubborn.”
Notes:
(1) Eritheia, “contention,” AV, in Philippians 1:17, is translated “faction,” in the RV. The phrase hoi ex eritheias, Romans 2:8, lit., “those of strife,” is rendered “contentious,” in the AV; RV, “factious.” See FACTIOUS, STRIFE.
(2) For agon, “a contest,” “contention,” 1 Thessalonians 2:2, AV; “conflict,” RV, See CONFLICT.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Romans 1:29 strife,
Romans 13:13 in strife
1 Corinthians 1:11 contentions
1 Corinthians 3:3 strife,
2 Corinthians 12:20 there be debates,
Galatians 5:20 strifes,
Philippians 1:15 strife;
1 Timothy 6:4 strife,
Titus 3:9 contentions,
Distinct usage
3 strife,
1 contentions
1 contentions,
1 there be debates,
1 strifes,
1 in strife
1 strife;
I have participated in many debates; does that mean I am operating in the sphere of the flesh? I am seeking to understand your perspective.
J.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. - KJV ↩︎
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. - KJV ↩︎
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you… - KJV ↩︎
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. - KJV ↩︎
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. - KJV ↩︎
Brother @Johann, I have NO idea what sphere you are operating in; how could I. God knows, and hopefully you know, but if I held any opinion on your motives, or what your observable actions “mean”, I would surely be guessing. My guesses are worthless; unworthy of sharing. I assume you are following The Spirit of The Lord, even when your methods are unfamiliar to me, or your skills are unlike my own. We are the Body of Christ, a living testimony to the lost world; we are living epistles, “known and read by all men”; but God has carefully composed HIS body, giving greater honor to parts which lacks it, that there should be no schism in His body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:24-25).
I hear your push-back, that:
Of course you are right, I accept your point, and appreciate that you point that out. I never intended to suggest “silence” is the only Godly response to any encountered false-idea. That would also be quite contrary to scripture, as you point out. Your examples of “evangelism” (contention with the world) are well noted, but, of course this is not what @JennyLynne was talking about here. We accept that The Truth will always disagree with “the lie” and The Holy Spirit of God urges saints to openly and firmly disclose The Truth in every setting, even against opposition. This will errupt as contention with the world, no doubt, and one that we are not told to avoid. I appreciate you bringing this seperate issue out into the open.
The warning against contention is against “friendly fire” in the public forum, and warns of the public damage that it does to The Testimony of The Truth. It is against this kind of contention we are prohibited; it is this kind of contention the Scriptures calls “carnal”. In yielding to The Holy Spirit, disagreements within the Body of Christ can be an experience of peace, understanding, patience, learning, growing, and love, and expecially can be a testimony to the world of how spiritual-brothers who disagree can demonstrate patience, deference, and understanding even in the presence of strong disagreement. This is an often-overlooked truth that I know you can exegete with precision and clarity.
My purpose is not to point fingers; I am not accusing anyone. We have an active “accuser” who does that job without any need of my assistance. I am simply affirming a point our sister made, and commiserating with her and the distress she is obviously feeling. I appreciate your joining-in, and helping out.
