What does the Bible say about authority and obedience?

The Scripture clearly indicates that all authority comes from God. Romans 13 states that 'there is no power but of God', highlighting that those in authority have been placed there for a divine purpose. While civil authorities may not always act in godly ways, the general principle remains that believers are called to be subject to their governing authorities, as they are ultimately ordained by God. This submission is not blind obedience, as it must align with God's decree. As noted in Acts 4, when human authorities contradict God's commands, believers must obey God rather than men, but this does not nullify the inherent truth that authority itself is established by God.