HOW FAR SHALL A BELIEVE GO
IN OBEYING CAESAR
By John Rhinehart
"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed.” Matt 22:21,22
This is another misleading ‘doctrine’ by many believers as to how far a believer must go in obeying Caesar. So, as always, we must go to the undisputed authority in the entire world, the Word of God to unravel this misleading and misapplied talk.
How far can a believer go when obeying the laws of Caesar? Some have the so-called ‘all-inclusive’ verse of Acts 5:29 to guide they directions:
Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!
Many believers have used this verse totally out of context believing that if any law conflicts with God’s commands we must not obey it. But is that what Peter is commanding to the others? The answer is, no. Let God be true and every man a liar.
So what was Peter addressing to cause him to make such a statement? It is found in verse 28:
"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."
And,
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20
Within the context, does this sound like the apostle was telling believers that they should only believe God’s law over men? No. It is clear the Peter was referring to ‘preaching the Gospel’ and ‘teaching in the name of Jesus’ that he was talking about. In other words, ‘God has told us to preach the word of Jesus to all the world and if anyone else tells us not to do so, we must obey God rather than man.’
Peter is clearly not telling us that if mans laws conflict with what God laws that we must not obey man. He is saying no such thing, in fact Peter tells us just the opposite in 1Peter 2:13-17:
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
The Word tells believers to live just the opposite than what Churchanity is teaching today:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Rom 12:18
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” 1Cor 5:12
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that you daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1Thess 4:11, 12
“For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and please God our Savior.” 1Tim 2:2,3
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” 1Pet 2:15
Those who adhere to the misapplied/misused verse of Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than men” cannot have it both ways when dealing with the laws of man and God. If we want to adhere to “We must obey God rather than man,” in other words, what God commands will supercede that of what man commands, we can have it no other way. For example, the cry today from Christian groups is that, ‘we are being persecuted; that the US Constitution gives us freedom not to be persecuted. What’s good for one religious group is good for another.’ Thus, because the Constitution gives us freedom of speech etc., we uphold man’s law over God. I kid you not for the Word of God says:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2Tim 3:12 (with, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passion” Titus 2:11, 12.)
Phil 1:29; 1Pet 2:21; 4:15, 16, 19; Rev 2:10
Can you believe what you are reading? God says clearly, ‘we will be persecuted’ but we don’t want to accept what God has to say in this matter but adhere to what man has said in the Constitution and laws that people have freedom of speech etc in this nation. Thus Acts 5:29 "We must obey God rather than men” falls on blind eyes as we acknowledge man’s law over God’s.
We, the body of Christ have greater problems instead of worrying about abortion, school prayer, etc., which has nothing to do with conducting our lives in salvation and holiness. What we have is a church that cannot agree on what the Word says giving heed to 100’s of denominations. A church that looks (503(c)) the world; radio stations that ‘mimic’ the world; worrying about their ‘retirements and stock plans;’ building expensive temples and neglecting the body and the service to the saints; that continues to harbors sin in the congregation of the saints; that has kicked the Lord Jesus Christ out from the mist of them (Rev 3:20). And the Body of Christ is worried about abortion, prayer in school and the election of a President?
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God” 1Pet 4:17
So, how far can a believer go in obeying Caesar? As we have seen, the believer is to give honor to governments and obey their rule of law. For they are put there by God. Who are we not to honor and obey governments? (Rom 13). As Peter put it so well, "We must obey God rather than men.” Did not God instruct us to honor and obey governments? Did you or I see any ‘conditions’ for not doing such an act?
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” 1Cor 10:31
Just like meats, we as the stronger believer should not cause the weaker to stumble and fall into sin.
“Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brothers way.” Rom 14:13
Our witness is marred if we do not obey the laws of man and God. If one is a ‘speeder’ on the roads he violates both God’s and man’s laws and could cause a brother driving next to him to fall into sin by trying to keep up with him. As the saying goes, “Those slower (speed limit) drivers are going to cause accidents.” Shall we partake of the sins of others? Thus, do ALL things to honor God for we do not know who is watching.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb 13:2
The bottom line is that we are to obey governments. The only time (New Testament) we are not to obey governments is when they tell us to stop teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18-20; 5:28,29) for this our commission to the world (Mt 28:18-20; Rom 10:14,15). Or better yet, if it were to affect your relationship with the Lord of the Universe, then God comes first over man. I like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar in reference to the will of God:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Dan 3:17, 18
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Mat 10:32,33.
Thus, obey man’s law to the fullest until it interferes with your personal relationship between God and your fellow believer.
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