Dear Reader,
We have begun a series of articles for our local newspaper on “Civil
Government.” These articles will be posted here for the convenience of you
being able to read the prior ones referenced as we go along. Having read these
you may also be interested in reading the article “What every
Politician needs to know” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/politiciansneedknow.htm
Civil Government Out of Control
When Paul cast a spirit of divination out of a slave girl her masters
lost their means of monetary gain. What follows is a classic display of civil
magistrates who, being hasty in their work, had to eat crow and experience
shame before the public (Read Acts 16:16-40). The magistrates in Philippi
allowed certain business men with their enlisted crowd to lead them into
beating Paul and Silas publicly (Acts 16:22). Then they threw them into prison.
The day following they sent their policemen saying release the two and let them
go. But Paul having no fear having done no wrong said, “No!” He sent the
policemen back to tell the magistrates they had beaten Roman citizens without a
proper hearing. Moreover, he demanded that the magistrates themselves come and
escort them out (Acts 16:37). The
magistrates then became afraid of the consequences of what they’d hastily and
foolishly done (Cp. Pro. 14:29; Eccl. 5:8). The magistrates in Philippi needed
an adjustment and got one! Their having to experience shame would no doubt
prove to be a benefit to others.
The news recently has told of a case where civil authorities in
California have had to apologize, having dealt hastily with some desiring to
worship in their home. Christians are taught to obey civil authority for it is
God’s minister to them for good (cf. Rom. 13:1-4). The New Testament also says
that civil government is an avenger of God on those who practice evil (Rom.
13:4-5). Christians should also be subject to maintain a good conscience before
God (Rom. 13:5). And civil judges must maintain their proper place as well!
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening:
6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
Civil Government Out of Control #2
Our first article showed the magistrates in
Philippi needed an adjustment -- civil judges must maintain their proper place
before God -- and they got one. That the magistrates themselves had to
experience shame before the citizens in meeting Paul’s demands no doubt proved
a benefit to others (cf. Acts 16:16-40; Prov. 14:29; Eccl. 5:8). You may read that article about this
interesting failure in government at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/civilgovernment.htm
Herod Agrippa I, king over Judea, also made
some serious mistakes as a civil ruler (Acts 12:1-25). First he selected certain
Christians in order to do them harm. Then he murdered James the brother of John
(Acts 12:1-2). When he saw this murder pleased the Jews he arrested Peter (Acts
12:3-5). His “man-courting” illustrates the “kind” of ruler who seeks his own
advantage by his desire to please others who should not be pleased! On the very
night Peter was to brought to Herod an angel rescued him (Acts 12:6-17). Herod
would have done well to have paid attention to Peter’s deliverance as
signifying that God is the highest authority (cf. Eccl. 5:8). But no, in his
anger he executed the guards. With no regard for God’s power Herod became angry
with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Dressed in his
royal apparel, and seated on his judgment throne, he began his address to the
people. Dependent upon him for food the people cried out, “The voice of a god
and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of God struck him because he did not
give God the glory, and he was eaten alive by worms and died (Acts 12:21-23).
This angry ruler got God’s wrath!
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening:
6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
Civil Government Out of Control #3
Should you desire to read our prior articles
illustrative of two failures --- one by a magistrate in Philippi and the other
by King Agrippa who failed to give glory to God --- you may do so at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/civilgovernment.htm
.
In Corinth many, including Crispus the ruler of the synagogue, heard the word
preached, believed and were baptized into Christ (Acts 18:8). What follows is
nothing more than civil harassment. The Jews made insurrection against Paul and
brought him to Gallio the proconsul of Achaia. Had
they properly understood the Law they’d have obeyed the Gospel along with the
other Jews such as Crispus (cf. Gal. 3:23-29).
Unlike the magistrate at Philippi (see link
above), Gallio the proconsul in Corinth saw no civil
wrong in Paul and said so immediately. He answered the Jews with very strong
words. He told them if it was a matter of wrong or even a vicious crime he
would have a reason to listen to them. It wasn’t, thus he said “…if it be a
question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no
judge of such matters.” Having no intention of involving himself he drove them
from the judgment seat. Remember how Jesus did not let the Jews make “taxes” a
religious issue with Him (Matt. 22:15-22)?
Gallio did not let the Jews make their
“religious” issues a “civil” issue with him. He told them this is not a matter
of wrong or vicious crime. This illustrates the proper place of civil
government as ordained by God. Rulers should not be a cause of fear for one’s
good behavior (cf. Rom. 13:3).
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening:
6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
Civil Government Out of Control #4
You may read where civil officials either
failed or succeeded in doing their required work at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/civilgovernment.htm
. Our present example is Paul’s rescue by the
Roman commander in Jerusalem from Jews who sought to kill him (Acts 21-23).
Hatred displays itself via: (1) Rumors and lies preceding Paul’s arrival at
Jerusalem (Acts 21:21); (2) Stirring up a crowd with the intent to do one harm
(vs. 27); (3) More lies along with an accusation based wholly upon supposition
and false at that. They disturb the whole city by accusing Paul of desecrating
the Temple (vss. 28-30); (4) An angry mob that begins
beating Paul with the intent to kill him (vss. 31-32). The Roman commander Lysias hears and arrives thus the beating stopped. Having
taken Paul in chains he later commands that he be examined by scourging. Paul
told the centurion in charge, “Is it lawful for you to
scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?” Now
fear strikes the commander because of their mistreatment of Paul, a citizen
(Acts 22:24-30).
As things got progressively worse certain
Jews plotted to murder Paul. They had the approval of the chief priests and
elders and conspired with the Jewish Council. This shows how corrupt the
“civil” but also religious leaders among the Jews themselves were. Lysias heard of their plot and secretly stole Paul away
with an escort to Caesarea, to the Governor. His accompanying letter stated
that he had rescued Paul, questioned the council and found nothing in Paul, a
Roman citizen, worthy of death. Lysias did not stand
“near” and just look the other way and let an innocent man be murdered!
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00
pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
Civil Government Out of Control #5
You may read this series where civil
officials either failed or succeeded in doing their required work at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/civilgovernment.htm
. This example begins with Lysias’
letter along with Paul being presented to Felix governor of Judea. The Jewish
high priest and elders were present with a hireling, a lawyer named Tertullus. Here is an example of a lawyer with well spoken
lies! (Acts 24:1-9). Felix put them off by requesting Lysias’
presence. He commanded that Paul be given some freedom and not to prevent any
of his friends from ministering to him (Acts 24:10-23). Days later Felix along
with his wife sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus
(Acts 24:24-25). Note these important points:
1. What Paul preached to Felix: “And as
he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled,
and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will
call for thee” (Acts 24:25). Dismissal was easier than dealing with the truth
applied to him. Paul did not indulge in politics. No political platform should
be confused with what the New Testament teaches about salvation!
2. Felix’ motive: “He
hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and
communed with him” (Acts 24:26). He illustrates greed. The corrupt take all
they can get!
3. Man pleasing: “But
after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room:
and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left
Paul bound” (Acts 24:27). Here Felix illustrates the desire and advantage for
political figures as they work at pleasing others.
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening:
6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
Civil Government Out of Control #6
You may read this series where civil officials either failed or
succeeded in doing their required work at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/civilgovernment.htm
. Our final in this series deals with Festus the governor
who succeeded Felix (Acts 25-26). Following another failed ambush against Paul
the Jews come to Caesarea before Festus but cannot prove their charges. Festus
sought to please the Jews by asking if Paul would go to Jerusalem and stand
trial there. Paul appeals to Caesar and is granted his request. After several
days King Agrippa comes to Caesarea and desires to hear Paul’s case. Festus
tells Agrippa that the charges the Jews brought were not the crimes he
expected, but disagreements with Paul about their religion and preaching
Christ. Festus admits before the King and Bernice his wife, the commanders and
prominent men of the city that Paul had committed nothing worthy of death. See
the injustice! He states that he has nothing definite to write to Caesar,
explaining it seems unreasonable to send a prisoner and not indicate the
charges against him (Acts 25:26-27). As Paul strove to convert the King, Festus
got embarrassed and accused Paul of being out of his mind. Paul defended his
words as truth and reason even stating that the King knew about Christ. You don’t
tell rulers you know that they know unless you are right in what you say! Paul
stated his desire that the King and all who heard him would become what he was
– a Christian. Note: All the important
people setting with the King and Festus agreed that Paul had done nothing
worthy of death or imprisonment (Acts 26:31-32; Cp. Acts 23:29, 25:26-27).
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening:
6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm