Rioting, which involves violent public disorder and destruction of property, is unfortunately a reality in our fallen world. Though the Bible does not specifically address “rioting” as we know it today, it does speak to the issues of lawlessness, rebellion, and mob rule. A biblical perspective on rioting reveals some important truths.
The Bible condemns lawlessness and rebellion
The Bible makes it clear that God is a God of order, not chaos. There are numerous passages that speak against lawlessness, rebellion, and inciting violence:
“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.” (Romans 13:1-2)
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:1-2)
“If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8)
The consistent biblical teaching is that God desires order, justice, submission to authority, and caring for the downtrodden. Rioting tends to reflect selfishness, hatred, greed, and exploitation.
Jesus opposed mob rule and violence
Jesus Christ was no stranger to unjust authorities and oppressed people. But during his ministry, Jesus consistently denounced responding to injustice with violence or mob rule. For example:
– When the people wanted to force Jesus to be their king, he withdrew to be alone rather than start a movement (John 6:15)
– When James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven on those who rejected Jesus, he rebuked them (Luke 9:54-55)
– When Peter drew his sword to prevent Jesus’ arrest, Jesus told him to put it away (Matthew 26:52)
– When Jesus was arrested and subjected to injustice, he did not resist or incite a riot, but submitted for the greater good (Matthew 26:47-56)
Jesus opposed the mindset of “might makes right” and instead taught people to love their enemies and repay evil with good (Matthew 5:38-48). His example calls Christians to combat injustice through peaceful means, not violence.
The early church endured injustice but did not riot
The New Testament records that the early Christians faced severe persecution and injustice, including from governing authorities. However, there are no records of Christians forming mobs, inciting violence, or looting property in response. Instead, they spread their message peacefully despite resistance, helped each other endure hardships, and prayed for their persecutors (Acts 4-5; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13).
The biblical model for Christians facing injustice is to endure it patiently, remain at peace, and overcome evil with good. As Peter wrote, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
God is the ultimate judge over human affairs
Another relevant biblical truth is that God is perfectly just and will ultimately judge all human affairs. No injustice will escape the notice of God, who promises to make all things right in the end (Ecclesiastes 3:17; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:6-11; Revelation 20:11-15). This can free Christians from seeking their own vengeance when wronged (Romans 12:19).
God also makes provision for justice in this age by establishing governing authorities for the punishment of wrongdoing (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). So there are God-given channels for pursuing justice that do not require vigilantism or rioting.
Practical Christian responses to injustice
In light of these biblical principles, here are some positive ways Christians can respond when faced with injustice in society:
- Pray for those in authority and for peaceful resolutions (1 Timothy 2:2)
- Raise awareness of issues through respectable forms of activism (Ephesians 5:11)
- Advocate for reforms and policies through legal channels (Jeremiah 29:7)
- Work to improve communities and provide for needs (Matthew 25:31-46)
- Support law enforcement efforts to maintain order (Romans 13:1-5)
- Participate in the legal system (e.g. jury duty) (Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17))
- Pursue justice for the oppressed through legal means (Isaiah 1:17; Zechariah 7:9-10)
- Set an example of patience, peacefulness and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:17-21)
In summary, the Bible opposes lawlessness, rebellion, and mob rule. Christians should denounce rioting and similar forms of violence, work to spread biblical justice, and overcome evil with good.
Old Testament examples related to rioting
There are also some Old Testament passages that, while not directly addressing rioting, provide examples of unlawful mob behavior and how godly leaders responded:
Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
The wicked men of Sodom surrounded Lot’s house and tried to attack his guests. Their mob mentality showed their lawlessness. God judged them for their sins shortly after.
The Sons of Jacob (Genesis 34)
After their sister Dinah was violated, the sons of Jacob tricked and killed an entire town of men in retaliation. Their vigilante murder was excessive and unjust.
Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16)
Korah incited a mob of 250 men to rebel against the authority of Moses. They were judged swiftly when the earth opened up and swallowed them.
The Stoning of Naboth (1 Kings 21)
Jezebel arranged for false witnesses to lie about Naboth so a mob would stone him. God condemned this perversion of justice.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
Even though the Jewish leaders treated Jesus unjustly, he did not protest or incite the crowd to riot on his behalf. He entrusted himself to God.
These stories remind us that lawless mobs face judgment, and leaders have an opportunity to pursue justice rightfully. The Bible calls us to a higher standard of conduct, even in unfair situations.
New Testament teaching on submitting to authority
In addition to the passages mentioned earlier, the New Testament has much to say about submitting to governing authorities rather than rebelling:
Romans 13:1-7 – “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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
Titus 3:1-2 – “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
1 Peter 2:13-17 – “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him… Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
Christians are called to a high standard of respecting order, honoring others, and entrusting themselves to God’s justice. Rioting inherently involves rejecting godly authority and taking matters into one’s own hands.
Biblical examples of non-violent resistance to injustice
While not compromising godly truth and authority, there are biblical examples of non-violent resistance to injustice:
- Daniel – Continued praying to God despite the king’s unlawful edict, and was thrown into a lions’ den. But he trusted God, who protected him (Daniel 6).
- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – Refused to bow to an idol at the command of the king. They were thrown into a fiery furnace but delivered by God without compromising (Daniel 3).
- Esther – Intervened on behalf of the persecuted Jewish people through wise appeal and exposure of corruption (Esther 7-9).
- Paul – Used his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar in order to be heard after false accusations (Acts 25:11-12).
- Early apostles – Refused to stop preaching about Christ when authorities commanded them. But they submitted to punishment without violence (Acts 4-5).
These examples demonstrate channels for non-violent resistance such as dialogue, appeal to authority, and reliance on legal protections. Christians have many options besides rioting.
Overcoming evil with good
The Bible calls Christians to overcome evil with good, both individually and socially:
Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Matthew 5:44-45 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
Proverbs 25:21-22 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
Christians can overcome social evils like racism, poverty, and corruption by living out countercultural values of love. This includes giving, serving, speaking truth, working for justice within the law, and praying for enemies. Rioting reflects the world’s ways, but Jesus calls his followers to revolutionary love that can truly change hearts and minds.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not endorse rioting, but rather calls Christians to a path of justice, love, and social reform through peaceful means. Though injustice exists and can evoke strong emotions, Scripture teaches that lawlessness, violence, and destruction contradict godly values. Believers should denounce rioting, submit to authorities, be prepared to endure injustice, and overcome evil by living out countercultural truths. With the Holy Spirit’s help, this biblical approach can achieve lasting change.
The Bible offers living hope and power beyond earthly turmoil and unrest. By clinging to God’s Word, Christians can shine as lights of righteousness, peace, and justice in the midst of difficult times.
