The "gods" of the Bible
As a Christian reading the book of John, Jesus’ words to his Father in verse 17:3 are reassuring, “And this is eternal life, that they know you – the only true God.”
There are several instances in the Bible where the word “god” in lower case is used. What is to be made of such verses if the God of Christianity is the only true god? Clement summarizes it best with “Though there are many that are called gods, there is but one true God, according to the testimonies of the scriptures.” (Recognitions of Clement 3:75, A.D. 221)
People in Positions of Authority
Psalm 82:1 says, “God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the gods.” Reading for context reveals that these “gods” are simply people who are rulers, judges, etc. that have authority over people.
The one true God makes it clear that He is providential in nature and is involved in the lives of mankind as the judge of those in positions of authority. He condemns those in authority who show partiality to the wicked and defend the unjust and gives them correction to:
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This aligns with Romans 13:1 which states, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place”.
Pagan Idolatry
The worship of "gods" is referred to as idolatry. 1 Chronicles 16:26 says, “For all the gods of the nations are worthless idols”. There are a variety of verses that speak of pagan worship in which there are two objects of reverence – demons and imaginary. Revelation 9:20 says, “They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.”
In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Apostle Paul says, “No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
In this context, gods (demonic or imaginary) are simply anything worshiped for the purpose of getting something that is desired. In idolatry, there is no consideration of the one true God’s will or honoring Him.
The attitude is, “I want it and will do whatever I have to in order to get it." In today’s world, idolatry is often characterized as “Me. Me. Me.” or with words that begin with “self-”. In other words, oneself is all that matters. God and other people are simply means to be used in order to achieve personal objectives. When they don't come through as expected, a different "idol" is sought.
Exodus 20 makes God's perspective clear, "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God ..."
Conclusion
The Bible does acknowledge other “gods”. It is important to ascertain the context - people in authority appointed by God vs. mankind's objects of worship (i.e., idols - demonic or imagined) which are abhorred by God.