The Bible does not directly address the political philosophy of anarchism, which advocates the abolition of government and the organization of society on a voluntary, cooperative basis without recourse to force or compulsion. However, the Bible does speak extensively about the proper role of governing authorities as well as the importance of order, structure, and submission to legitimate leadership. Examining key biblical principles can provide insight into a Christian perspective on anarchy and anarchism.
The Bible Affirms the Role of Government
In contrast to anarchism’s rejection of established authority, the Bible affirms that government derives its authority from God. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This verse makes it clear that government itself is an institution ordained by God for maintaining order and justice in human affairs.
The Bible describes how God established the nation of Israel with defined leadership roles. Exodus 18 recounts the story of Jethro advising Moses to appoint judges and officials to handle disputes and governance matters on his behalf. 1 and 2 Samuel describe the transition to kingly authority in ancient Israel. Even in the early church, the apostles appointed deacons to handle administrative needs in the growing Christian community (Acts 6:1-7). These examples show that God instituted various authorities to provide order and structure for His people.
In addition to establishing the fact of governmental authority, the Bible also defines the purpose of government. 1 Peter 2:13-14 states that governmental officials are “sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” Governmental authority exists not merely for its own sake but to commend good behavior and restrain evil in society. The God-given task of government includes maintaining peace and justice, which anarchism would seek to diminish or abolish entirely.
The Bible Warns Against Chaos and Disorder
While anarchism advocates a decentralized society without hierarchy or compulsion, the Bible consistently presents governmental order as preferable to chaos and warns against societal breakdown. Ecclesiastes 10:16 declares, “Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!” This verse implies that a lack of competent leadership results in disorder, decay, and suffering—underscoring the need for wise governance.
Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Anarchism’s attempted abolition of established authority would risk exactly the kind of harmful confusion that the Bible condemns. This principle applies not just to church settings but to society at large. Romans 13:2 teaches that “whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Resistance to duly appointed leadership undermines the order that God intends.
The book of Judges depicts how Israel suffered in the absence of centralized authority: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). This description of moral and social chaos indicates the need for responsible government to enact justice. Anarchy’s lack of organized governmental structures would potentially leave everyone to do “what was right in his own eyes,” leading to conflicting moral claims.
The Bible Commends Submission to Governing Authorities
Given the Bible’s affirmation of governmental leadership, scripture also stresses the importance of submission to earthly authorities. Passages such as Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17, and Titus 3:1 instruct believers to obey legitimate rulers and abide by societal laws that do not directly conflict with God’s commands. Anarchism’s anti-authoritarian sentiments contravene the biblical call to submit to those in power over us. Scripture commends this posture not merely out of pragmatic considerations but as an expression of one’s faith.
The apostles modeled such submission themselves. After being flogged for preaching the gospel, they rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” rather than speaking against those who had punished them unlawfully (Acts 5:41). Paul used his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11) but urged Christians to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1) as part of their witness. This precedent does not suggest endorsing all governmental actions but rather working within the existing system.
Anarchism’s anti-authoritarian philosophy conflicts with the Bible’s praise of figures like:
- Joseph and Daniel who served pagan rulers faithfully as God’s representatives in positions of authority
- Cornelius, a Roman centurion depicted positively as a God-fearing man
- Erastus, a Christian convert who held the prominent public office of city treasurer in Corinth (Romans 16:23)
Far from advocating anarchy or revolt, Scripture presents submission to authority as a Christian virtue that reflects trust in God’s sovereignty.
The Bible Teaches Citizens’ Responsibility Within Society
While promoting submission to government, the Bible also outlines responsibilities for citizens to contribute actively to society. Passages like Jeremiah 29:7 encourage the Israelites exiled in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf.” Though living under ungodly authorities, God’s people are still called to seek society’s good. Jamaican political theorist Neville Duncan suggests this verse disproves notions “that the Bible requires complete withdrawal from and rejection of civil society.”
Jesus’ teaching to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21) affirms the responsibility to honor both God and civil authorities by contributing through taxes, service, and prayers. Paul instructs Timothy to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” for all in authority, that believers might “lead a peaceful and quiet life” under their oversight (1 Timothy 2:1-2). These examples undermine anarchism’s goal of complete governmental abolition and revolutionary societal restructuring by calling Christians to work constructively within existing institutions.
In keeping with this approach, Romans 12:18 urges, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Seeking civil society’s flourishing often requires compromise that rigid anti-authoritarian philosophies may resist. Scripture advocates reforming and redeeming society’s structures, not fundamentally dismantling them. As theologian Carl Braaten summarized, “The task of Christians is not to withdraw from the world but to reform and redirect its institutions and values into paths that serve God’s purposes.”
The Bible Affirms Divine Judgment and Justice
A significant anarchist objection to earthly government rests on rulers’ tendency toward corruption, violence, and injustice. However, the Bible responds to this grievance by pointing to God’s sovereignty and His promise to ultimately defeat evil. Paul teaches in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” All injustice will be set right on the final day of divine judgment.
Peter likewise encourages believers facing unjust suffering to entrust themselves “to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). God alone can deal fully and fairly with all wrongs through His perfect moral authority. But in the meantime, Scripture calls Christians to a patient hope in God’s future restorative justice rather than seeking to dismantle all human institutions now. As Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36); thus believers live as pilgrims and foreigners who trust in the world to come.
The book of Revelation portrays how all earthly rulers and authorities will one day give account before God’s throne and face judgment for any corruption or injustice (Revelation 20:11-15). Only Christ’s return can inaugurate perfect righteousness and order. Until then, scripture advocates working constructively under whatever fallen governance we may find ourselves, while longing for the kingdom that is to come.
The Bible Values Order, Restraint of Evil, and Promotion of Justice
In summary, a biblical perspective on anarchism recognizes that scripture consistently upholds governmental authority, warns against the removal of restraining structures, promotes order over chaos, values submission to legitimate leadership, and anticipates divine justice and judgment as the final solution to corruption and injustice. Key relevant principles include:
- Government derives its authority from God (Romans 13:1).
- Rulers are appointed by God to restrain evil and promote good (1 Peter 2:14).
- Absence of competent authority leads to disorder and suffering (Ecclesiastes 10:16).
- God desires peace and order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
- Christians are called to submit to governing powers (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17).
- Believers should work constructively within society (Jeremiah 29:7).
- God will ultimately judge all unrighteousness Himself (Romans 12:19).
In light of these principles, the Bible appears more supportive of orderly, restrained, law-abiding society under established authorities—even imperfect ones—than the anti-authoritarian anarchism that would seek to abolish all external government immediately. Scripture offers much wisdom for how Christians might critically engage culture and seek justice within society’s existing framework. However, the Bible stops short of endorsing anarchism’s aim of destroying centralized power structures altogether.