Separation of Powers

The separation of powers refers to the division of government authority among different branches or groups to prevent the abuse of power. This principle recognizes that concentrated authority, combined with human sinfulness, leads to corruption and misuse of power.¹

Biblical Examples of Unchecked Power

Scripture provides many examples demonstrating the dangers of concentrated authority. Grudem observes, “The Old Testament narratives give many examples of kings who had unchecked power and abused it.”² King Saul repeatedly prioritized his own interests over those of the people. David misused his royal authority in his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), and Solomon accumulated excessive wealth and wives in violation of Deuteronomy 17:17. These stories show how power, when unchecked, easily leads to wrongdoing.

Biblical Models of Divided Authority

Old Testament Structure

God established multiple spheres of authority in Israel through distinct offices:

Kings provided civil leadership
Prophets delivered God’s messages
Priests maintained worship and sacrifices

This arrangement created natural checks on power, although kings often disregarded these limitations.³

New Testament Pattern

Jesus established plural leadership by appointing twelve apostles rather than a single leader. The early church continued this pattern through:

Multiple apostles who shared authority
Decisions made jointly by “the apostles and the elders, with the whole church” (Acts 15:22)
Local congregations governed by plural elders rather than individual rulers (Titus 1:5; James 5:14)⁴

Modern Implementation

Different nations have developed various ways to separate governmental powers. In the United States, national authority is divided into three branches:

“The power of the national government is divided among three branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (the President and everyone under his authority), and the judicial (the courts). The legislative power itself is divided between a House (with members elected every two years), and a Senate (with members elected every six years).”⁵

This structure promotes accountability by ensuring that no single part of government holds complete control.

Constitutional Protections

The U.S. Constitution established additional safeguards against concentrated power.

The Second Amendment guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear arms,” creating a final defense against potential tyranny through an armed citizenry.⁶

The First Amendment protects essential freedoms that prevent the abuse of power:

Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
The right of peaceful assembly
The right to petition the government

These protections ensure public awareness of government actions and preserve the ability of citizens to challenge wrongdoing.⁷

Judicial Application

A key modern application involves maintaining a proper distinction between legislative and judicial functions. Judges are called to interpret existing laws, not to create new ones. This practice prevents the spread of unchecked authority within the judicial branch and upholds the biblical and constitutional principle of limiting power.⁸

References

Wayne A. Grudem, Politics – According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010), 101–102.
Grudem, Politics – According to the Bible, 102–103.
Ibid., 103.