Chapter 24

Chapter 24. Of the Civil Magistrate

Paragraph 1: God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers. 1

  1. Romans 13:1-4

Paragraph 2: It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, 2 according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions. 3

  1. 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalms 82:3-4
  2. Luke 3:14

Paragraph 3: Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience’ sake; 4 and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. 5

  1. Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:17
  2. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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