Chapter 25

Of the Civil Magistrate

1. God, the supreme Lord, and King of all the world, hath ordained civil
magistrates to be under Him over the people, for His own glory, and the
public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword,
for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the
punishment of evil doers.

Romans Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the
13:1 powers that be are ordained of God.
Romans Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that
13:2 resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of
13:3 the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Romans For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be
13:4 afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to
execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate,

when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially
to maintain justice, and peace,

II Samuel The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must
23:3 be just, ruling in the fear of God.

Psalm 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Psalm 82:4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that
end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and
necessary occasions.

Luke And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said
3:14 unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your
wages.
 3. Civil magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid, subjection in all
lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not
only for wrath but for conscience' sake;

Romans Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
13:5
Romans For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending
13:6 continually upon this very thing.
Romans Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom
13:7 custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

I Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings, and all that are in
authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness
and honesty.

I Timothy I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
2:1 thanks, be made for all men;
I Timothy For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
2:2 life in all godliness and honesty.