Is there ever a legitimate reason (from a biblical perspective) for civil disobedience? Civil disobedience is refusing to comply with certain laws or government orders, typically as a form of political protest. Keep in mind that the word “civil” means courteous or polite and implies that this disobedience is in peaceful or nonviolent ways. In other words, true civil disobedience does NOT include breaking other unrelated laws (stealing, destroying property, hurting others, etc.).
In Acts 4:18 Peter & John were commanded by governing authorities not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. How did they respond?
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.”… “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 4:19; 5:29)
Notice that they chose to civilly disobey. However, they didn’t break other unrelated laws or harm anyone or destroy property. They also remained humble and respectful.
The biblical criteria for civil disobedience is when you can’t obey both God and man, and choose to obey God rather than man. Will the day come when we can’t obey both God and man? If so, what choice will you make?