The Greek noun dogma refers to an official decree, ordinance, or established teaching — an authoritative pronouncement that demands compliance. In the New Testament it is used for imperial decrees (Luke 2:1; Acts 17:7), for the rulings of the Jerusalem council (Acts 16:4), and for the legal ordinances abolished in Christ (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15).
The word dogma carries the weight of official authority. Caesar's dogma triggered the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem — God used an imperial decree to fulfill prophecy (Micah 5:2). Paul declares that Christ 'canceled the written code, with its regulations (dogmasin), that was against us' (Colossians 2:14). The law's condemning decrees are nailed to the cross. Yet the Jerusalem council also issues dogmata — apostolic guidelines for Gentile believers. Not all dogma is abolished; authoritative apostolic teaching is to be delivered and obeyed (Acts 16:4).