The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 9, Oct. 2010
A Publication of the Valley church of
Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Selected Newspaper
Articles On Civil Government
Civil Government Out
of Control #1
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!
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!
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).
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!
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.
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).
By Bob Lovelace
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