Clash of Swords (1)

“…and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” Acts 17.7

“You therefore, son of man, prophesy,
And strike yourhands together.
The third time let the sword do double damage.” Ezekiel 21.14

The power of Rome
The world is ruled by two swords – the sword of men, which is human government, and the Sword of God, which is the Sword of the Spirit, the Holy Word of God. In every generation, those swords have clashed; and we should expect these clashes to be not infrequent in our own day, when governments invest so much of their energy and resources promoting and enforcing a secular and materialistic worldview.

In every generation and culture the clash of swords has been present, and those who profess faith in Christ and are living within the framework of His Kingdom must strive with all their strength for the Sword of God to prevail.

But that prevailing will not occur except through periods of conflict and turmoil.

In the Roman Empire during the two centuries following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there was no more dangerous place to stand than in opposition to the decrees of Caesar. The Roman Emperor’s authority was regarded as absolute and final. We see how easily Pilate was cowed into violating his own conscience and casting aside the advice of his wife when the crowds warned that if he let Jesus go he would be no friend of Caesar.

The power of Rome was maintained through a system of puppet monarchies, governorships, and military jurisdictions. While Rome was willing to allow local authorities to maintain order, ensure the collection of revenues, and otherwise further and support the interests of the Empire, disciplined and well-armed troops stood ever at the ready to suppress and destroy any opposition to Caesar. When Paul was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea, 470 soldiers accompanied him. And we can be sure the temporary loss of this considerable contingent did not significantly diminish the number of soldiers still available to maintain Rome’s interests in Jerusalem (Acts 23.23).

Christians and Rome
Thus, to be charged in public with “opposing the dogmas of Caesar” – the literal translation of our text – was no casual matter. The only thing worse than being the focus of such a charge was to be charged also with “practicing” – again, our text – “another king.”

Caesar was the only legitimate and ultimate king in Rome’s jurisdiction. More than that, Caesar was nearly a god, with sole authority, working through the Roman Senate, to grant a measure of legitimacy to the many religious sects that were scattered around the Empire. No religious sect which denied the Emperor’s authority, contravened his decrees, and publicly pledged loyalty to another king would be long tolerated.

The first Christians – such as Paul and those who accompanied him in Thessalonica – were not political activists. They did not draw up political agendas, plot the overthrow or subvert the authority of local magistrates, or call for the dismantling of the Empire. Indeed, the first Christians taught that Roman government was divinely established and intended by God Himself for the good of humankind, as we have seen (Rom. 13.1-4).

Necessarily at odds
But the message the first Christians proclaimed, and the lives they pursued consistent with that message, were easily enough interpreted as being a threat to the status quo.

Paul and the early Christians proclaimed the advent of a new Empire. They insisted that a new and eternal King had taken His seat in the heavenly realms – above Caesar and even above all gods and deities, men and nations. They declared that this King was calling all people to repent and profess loving allegiance to Him, and to seek the progress of His rule as their highest priority in life. And they showed by their lives of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that they were not your typical citizen of the political regime maintained by Rome.

So, it’s no wonder that, when the people of Thessalonica heard this charge – that the Christians were practicing another King, Whose name was Jesus – they “were disturbed.” This rebellion, this opposition to Caesar, was happening in their own city, and Roman retribution against incipient rebellions was typically not very discriminating. Collateral damage was not only inevitable, but intentional.

The first Christians were indeed turning their world upside-down, because they understood, believed, lived, and proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and the reality and inescapability of the Kingship of Jesus Christ.

And that message and manner of life, we can be certain, will “disturb” the Caesars of every age. Clashes between the Sword of the Spirit and the sword of men are inevitable, and we need to prepare well to engage them.

For reflection
1.  How many different ways can you identify that government actively supports a secular and material worldview in our day?

2.  What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in every area of your life? Can you see how doing so might bring you into conflict with people who hold a different view of life?

3.  What are your goals for this study? What do you hope to learn?

Next steps: What does it mean to “practice” Jesus as King in your life each day? Talk with a fellow believer about this question. In what ways does your local church work to equip you for such a way of life?

T. M. Moore

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This week’s study, Clash of Swords, is a bonus part 6 of a 6-part series on a Biblical view of government and politics, and is available as a free download by clicking here. We cannot understand God’s view of government, or how to function in a political environment apart from faith in King Jesus and His rule. Order T. M.’s books The Kingship of Jesus  and The Ground for Christian Ethics to supplement our studies of God and government.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.