The Bible makes references to politics throughout its text, especially because politics was very important in the times of the Bible. Just like today, there were different opinions about politics – and there were different rulers.
Matthew, John, Acts and Proverbs are just some of the Biblical books that make reference to Kings, Queens and politics. Further references to politics appears in 1 Timothy, Titus and in Ecclesiastes.
The wishes and actions of the time’s rulers were not always in line with faith, God’s wishes or God’s plan. In this instance, God encourages us to pray for the direction of politics as we would come to pray for any of the faithful.
In heated political discussions, the Bible makes it clear to us that we should not abandon our faith. Different opinions can be exactly that: different. Insults, anger and fury achieves nothing, but only takes us further away from the Lord.
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Should We Pray for Politicians?
Yes, and we should pray for everyone who might be in need of it.
The Bible tells us that it remains important to pray throughout its text. A specific reference to politics and how people should handle this appears in 1 Timothy, where it says that thanksgivings and prayers should be made for all those in high positions.
Poilticians are still only human, but they can be driven and guided by faith.
If we see or feel that a politician and their life is not in line with faith, the best thing we can do is get involved in blessing and prayer.
Insults, heated discussions and anger at a politician’s actions will not achieve anything practical. The Bible tells us that we should never forego our faith – and when there are pressing issues we are concerned about, that we should bring these issues in front of the Lord.
Should We Argue About Politics?
No, political arguing and anger serves no purpose – especially not for our faith.
Arguments can only cause quarrels between people, and the Bible tells us that we are not here to make enemies of our fellow people – even those that we disagree with, or even ones that disagree with our faith and beliefs.
The book of Titus tells us to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, discussions and quarrels ‘about the law’ because they are worthless.
The Bible is clear that we should not lose ourselves in political discussions or arguments without merit. In the time which the Bible was written, people would argue just as much about politics as we might today.
One more quotation from the Bible that points to politics appears in 1 Thessalonians. Here, it encourages people to mind their own affairs – and to aspire for a quiet life.
A heated political fight will not add to your faith. Focusing on matters of faith is what will add to your faith!
Ecclesiastes 7 says even more about this. Oppression drives the sane into madness, it says, and a bribe corrupts the heart. It’s not through wisdom that we get involved in political debates, but sometimes through sheer foolishness.
Do not waste time debating politics with others, when you could instead be spending your time with the Lord.
Can Politics Contradict Our Faith?
Yes, according to the Bible, politicians and their wishes can sometimes be in direct contradiction to our faith.
One quotation from the Bible that talks about the authority of men versus God appears in acts, where Peter and the apostles say that they would rather obey God than men. God’s plan will triumph, regardless of what people might wish, think or discuss.
There is one more important mention in the book of John. Here, Jesus says that nobody shuld have authority over another unless it has been given from above. Again, it’s not the wishes of people that triumph, but the will of the Lord.
you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11
Politics is not always in line with what we believe, but if we accept God’s authority first, we can remain strong in our faith – and nothing, not even politics, can negatively impact our faith if we do not succumb to it.
What Does the Bible Say About Taxes?
Politics were such an important thing in Biblical times that the Bible even has something to say about taxes – and the people who should pay it.
The book of Matthew makes an important reference to taxes in the time of Caesar. When the people ask whether they should pay their taxes to Caesar or not, Jesus gives the people a show of His wisdom in return.
Jesus responds, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’
What Does the Bible Say About Politicians?
As it references politics, the Bible also makes several clear references to politicians throughout its text.
Within Proverbs, it says that the people will rejoice when the righteous increase – but groan when the wicked rule. There were both good and bad politicians and rulers in the Bible’s time, just like we might see today.
groan.” Proverbs 29:2
In Daniel, the Bible tells us that God has the authority to change times and seasons – and also removes and sets Kings. Nothing happens without God’s will.
the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” Daniel 2:21
Another reference in 1 Peter says that we should honor everyone, know to fear God, and honor the emperor. Rulers of the time were greatly respected, as we feel about some politicians of today.
What Does the Bible Say About Ethics?
The Bible does not just speak of politics, but also tells us more about ethics.
In Matthew, the Bible says that we cannot serve two masters – one being God, and the other being money. While it’s okay to have material possessions, it is not okay to forsake your faith for these possessions – or, as the verse implies, to accept bribes.
will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24
Does the Bible Tell Us How to Behave in Politics?
Yes, the Bible is clear about how we should keep our hearts and minds close to the Lord.
Proverbs tells us that the king’s heart is a stream in the hand of the Lord. It means that God keeps His hand over politics, just like He keeps it over us.
