Resistance

God should not be resisted

2 Ch 35:21; Ac 7:51; Ac 11:17; Ro 9:19

Individuals should not resist legitimate authorities

Civil authorities

Romans 13:1–2 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

See also 1 Pe 2:13–14; 1 Sa 24:6; 1 Pe 2:17; Tt 3:1–2; Dt 17:12–13

Religious authorities

Hebrews 13:17 NIV

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

See also Ac 23:5

Parental authority

Eph 6:1; Col 3:20; 2 Ti 3:2

Resistance of unjust authorities

Resistance to human authorities is justified when they oppose God’s requirements

Exodus 1:15–17 NIV

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

See also Heb 11:23; Ac 5:27–29; Ex 1:22–2:3; Da 3:13–18; Da 6:6–10; Ac 4:18–20

God will enable Christians, unjustly brought before human authorities, to defend themselves

Mark 13:11 NIV

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

See also Lk 21:14–15

God will vindicate those of his people who cannot resist unjust authorities

Daniel 3:28–29 NIV

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

See also Ge 39:20–21; Ec 8:12; Da 6:19–28

God will himself judge unjust rulers

Hosea 5:10 NIV

Judah’s leaders are like those who move boundary stones. I will pour out my wrath on them like a flood of water.

See also 1 Ki 21:15–19; Is 1:23–26; Is 3:11–15; Is 10:1–3; Is 59:14–20; Eze 22:27–31; Mic 7:2–4

Resisting evil

Christians should not resist the evil person

Matthew 5:38–41 NIV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

See also Mt 26:52; Mt 5:43–48; Lk 6:27–30; Ro 12:19–21

Christians should follow the teaching and example of Jesus Christ and entrust themselves to God

1 Peter 2:20–23 NIV

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

See also Is 53:7–9; 2 Ti 4:14