What does the Bible mean by submitting to authority?

Submission to authority is a fundamental principle for Christians, as taught in 1 Peter 2:13-14, where believers are called to submit to every human institution for the Lord's sake. This includes respecting governmental authorities and laws, as they are instituted by God for maintaining order in society. However, Peter also makes it clear that this submission has its boundaries; when civil authorities command actions that contradict God's law, believers must obey God rather than man, as highlighted in the account of the apostles' defiance against unjust commands (Acts 5:29). Thus, Christians navigate their submission to worldly authorities with discernment, honoring them while ultimately prioritizing obedience to God’s revealed will.