Read chapter 12v 17-21 Vengeance belongs to God, because we do not have the right to judge. William Barclay said, “Vengeance may break a man’s spirit but kindness will move a man’s heart” and move them to shame (the burning coals). If we avenge, we ourselves sin. Love is the antidote to vengeance. Q. What are we called to be? Chapter 13 - Historical context • • • •
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At the time of Paul’s writing (approx. AD 58), Nero was the Emperor of Rome. The Romans had been in Britain for 100 years and they had founded and built London (Londinium) in AD 50. Boadicea (Boudicca – from the Icene tribe in Britain) was busy amassing troops to fight against them. Roman soldiers had built roads from Rome to Northern England and all over their Empire. They also left a legacy of Bathhouses and Villas (some highly decorated and with mosaic tiled flooring). Roman soldiers were conscripted from the country of occupation – making Boadicea’s army a rebel army.
Read chapter 13v 1-7 Read also: 1 Timothy 2v1&2; Titus 3v1; 1 Peter 2v13-17 Along with everybody else, Christians share the benefits of government – roads, water supply, electricity etc. and Christians therefore have a duty and a responsibility to the state, regardless of who is in power. Disobedience could result in anarchy. Q. Can you think of examples when Christians cannot obey the Law of the Land? What conflicts might they face? Q. In British legend, Boadicea was a heroine as she fought against Roman occupation. How should a Christian react in this kind of situation, perhaps in other places today? Christianity must be dissociated completely from political rebels, the ideals of terrorists, and any dissention against the governing bodies. Q. How can bad government be part of God’s will? In Paul’s time the Christians were not without difficulties, but Roman power had brought a kind of world peace (known as the pax romana). Roman government had actually (unbeknown to them!) made it possible for the Christian message to be taken to the world, especially with all the newly built roads. The Roman government was an instrument of God. Q. Can bad governments be good for the church? There are many countries today where imprisonment and atrocities are carried out Against Christians, but often the church grows larger and stronger than it does in the affluent, ‘free’ countries. But which ‘set-up’ would you rather be a part of? 15