How Should We Think About Tyrants?

How should Christians think about tyrants and authority? Jeffrey D. Johnson addresses the important topic of authority from a biblical perspective. According to Scripture, God delegates partial authority to earthly institutions, but no entity, including the state, can assume the place of God. Our conscience should be solely guided by God's Word, and no authority should compel us to act in ways that contradict scriptural commands. The state is not God, and our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. When human authority aligns with God's principles, Christians are called to submit fully to its jurisdiction, as long as it does not require us to disobey God. This involves respecting laws, paying taxes, and fulfilling civic duties. However, when authority overreaches its God-given limits, Christians must refuse to submit to tyranny or directives that endanger their spiritual and physical well-being. Our obedience to God takes precedence over any earthly power. Acts 5:29 (NKJV): "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'"