Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear people.

The day is under way—now I need to try to catch up with it. I think it will include some mill work. I have not yet confirmed whether or not Thano will join me.

Have a blessed day—trying to catch up with it.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Prior to that statement, Paul says, “I am now standing before CAESAR’S COURT where I ought to be tried.” That’s where he adds, “I appeal to Caesar.” This may not be very inspirational, but I think there is something important and instructional here that applies to the Christian’s general relationship to civil law, government, and society at large.

In processing the account before us, I think it’s important to understand that these Jewish leaders who sought Paul’s death were not just religious fanatics. They were in fact criminals, ready and eager to violate their own religious laws as well as the civil laws of their presiding government. They were liars and would-be murderers. They compiled no small amount of wrong-doing aimed at one little Christian. It was a premeditated intentional crime. Their accusations and hatred could not be properly resolved by the General Council of the Church or by the Jewish Sanhedrin. Paul’s only natural hope for protection and justice was the civil law. Even that exists by God’s design to help prevent the affairs of men from becoming utterly corrupt. Paul understands this issue and appeals now in the right direction.

I do not agree with some believers who take the extreme view that since God has made provision for healing through Christ that we should not seek the help of doctors or medicine. When my body suffers from a sickness I will both pray to God and do everything physically and medically available to seek a cure. When believers do all they humanly can to solve their own ailments, there is an opportunity for God to show Himself mighty if He so chooses. In the same way, I do not agree with some Christians who take the extreme view that in all cases of being wronged we as believers should simply “turn the other cheek” and accept it as persecution trusting the Lord for His protection. I believe that for Christians to be silent in the face of clear and known criminal activity is actually to encourage the sickness of crime and its consequences within that society. There is a very important time and place for believers to stand up against clear social evil and do what they humanly can with what is available.

Please don’t be silent and inactive when you see, receive, or are aware of criminal behavior. Please don’t be afraid to take advantage of CAESAR’S COURT when there is no other way to resolve wrong. Good citizens react to social evil by enlisting police or legal assistance for the general good, justice, and protection of all. And Christians are supposed to be good citizens. (See Matt. 17:24-27; 22:15-22; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17.)