What does the bible say about respecting evil leaders?

Answer 1

One passage of Scripture comes to mind in the Book of Romans. Romans 13:1-7 tells us to be subject to the governing authorities (good and bad). God has given these people the authority to rule over persons. Even evil rulers have things that they do that fits the purpose of God. If we resist the authority that God has given these people we are resisting God and can bring judgment upon ourselves. Verse 7 tells us, "Render therefore to all their due; taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor". That does not mean that we can't vote them out of office, that is if we still have voting rights.

Another answer:

"Peter and the apostles replied, 'WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN HUMAN AUTHORITY.'" (Acts 5:29 NLT New Living Translation)

It is absolutely Godly and right to obey the government... unless the government demands that the people "transgress the Commandments of God" [cause the people to sin].

Peter and the apostles disobeyed the authorities' command "not to teach and preach in Jesus' name"... which was Jesus' commission to them and their profession.

"...go and make disciples of all the nations... teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you..." (Matt.28:19-20 NLT).

There were also three young Jewish men, once, who disobeyed King Nebuchadnezzar's command for all the people to BOW DOWN BEFORE THE GIANT GOLD IMAGE OF HIM, that he set up. This was a direct commandment that flew in the face of God's Second Commandment regarding "idolatry."

"...O Nebuchadnezzar [they said], we do not need to defend ourselves to you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Dan.3:16-18 NLT)

The Bible also prophesys of a time just ahead of us on earth, when the leaders of a "new world order" [government] will REPEAT the episode in Daniel 3:

"...He ordered the people of the world to make a GREAT STATUE of the first Beast... He was permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die." (Rev.13:14-15 NLT)

There is a difference between obeying the "lawful commands of government"... and willfully "transgressing the Commandments of God" [sinning] at the government's command.

Jesus clearly tells His disciples that they will be ARRESTED for His name's sake. People are arrested for "disobedience."

"Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to Me." (Matt.24:9 NLT)

"...watch out! You will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues [churches]. You will be accused before governors and kings of being My followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about Me." (Mark 13:9 NLT)

The "civil commands" of government are to be obeyed by the servants of God. But when Godly morals and decency are ignored by society and government, and they tell the servants of God to deny and disobey Him [to SIN] -- then the government's of man are WRONG! And:

"...we must obey God rather than human authority."

And the servants of God must then acquiesce and submit to man's punishment for "obeying God":

"...They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: 'The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus.'" (Acts 5:40-42 NLT)

There are the governments of man on earth... and there is the coming Government of God that Jesus Christ will establish on earth after He removes all of man's governments from their errant rule on earth.

God's Government supersedes all of man's governments. But, as long as man's governments don't tread on the laws of God... His servants are to obey them. But if a conflict arises where man's governments defy God's laws, God's servants are to respectfully decline obedience to their unrighteousness and witness to God's Truth on the matter; and humbly suffer the punishments dished out by that unrighteous government:

"This will be your opportunity to tell them about Me. So don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the Right Words and such Wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply! ...some of you will be killed. And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to Me... By standing firm, you will win your souls [lives; Eternal Life]." (Luke 21:13-19 NLT)