Peaceful Transfer in Government

When Scripture was written, peaceful transition of government leadership was unknown, for the most part. This makes the following passages all the more important for us as our new president assumes office.

Paul's first letter to Timothy includes this: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" (2:1-2; NASB).

Peter's first letter includes this: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king" (2:13-17; see also Romans 13:1-7; NASB).

Note the motivations here: so "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity," as Paul wrote; and, "for the Lord's sake," as Peter stated.

These are to be the reasons for our entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings, and submission: "For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men."