Paul – The Revolution

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the revolutionary nature of the Apostle Paul’s message within the historical context of the Roman Empire. The core argument presented is that Paul’s writings were not merely theological discussions but a direct challenge to the imperial power of Rome and the widespread worship of Caesar. By examining the historical backdrop of the first century, the teaching reveals how Paul strategically used language and titles that directly countered the claims of the Roman emperors, effectively calling believers to transfer their allegiance from Caesar to Jesus Christ.

The Roman Empire and the Cult of Caesar

To understand the revolutionary impact of Paul’s message, it is crucial to grasp the significance of the Roman Empire and the pervasive cult of the Emperor. Following the rise of Augustus Caesar, the Roman Empire transitioned from a republic to an empire, with the emperor holding immense political, military, and increasingly, religious power. Augustus, the adopted son of the deified Julius Caesar, was himself declared the Son of God. This deification was not just a symbolic gesture; it formed the foundation of the imperial cult, where emperors were worshiped as divine beings who ensured Rome’s prosperity and peace.

The titles attributed to Caesar were laden with religious and political significance. He was hailed as Savior (Sotir) of Rome, the one who brought peace on earth (Pax Romana), and was referred to as Master and Lord (Kyrios). The very day of his birth was celebrated as the Gospel of Rome (Eulogion), and citizens throughout the empire were expected to have faith (Pistis) in Caesar, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. This imperial cult served as a unifying force within the vast Roman Empire, with allegiance to the emperor being synonymous with loyalty to Rome itself. Refusal to participate in emperor worship was seen as an act of treason, threatening the stability and well-being of the entire empire.

The economic realities of the Roman Empire further underscored the power of the ruling elite. A stark disparity existed between the wealthy few and the vast majority of the population who lived in poverty. This social and economic context helps explain why Jesus’ message resonated with the oppressed and marginalized. The peace and security promised by Rome, while perhaps benefiting some, did little to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

Paul’s Counter-Empire: The Kingdom of God

Against this backdrop of Roman imperial power and the deification of Caesar, Paul’s message emerges as a radical alternative. The teaching highlights that Paul, writing to various cities within the Roman Empire – cities that were centers of imperial worship such as Corinth, Galatia, and Thessalonica – deliberately used the same titles and concepts associated with Caesar to describe Jesus Christ.

Paul proclaimed Jesus as Lord (Kyrios), the true Son of God, and the Savior. He spoke of the Kingdom of God, an empire with a King of kings and Lord of lords, directly challenging Caesar’s claim to ultimate authority. The Gospel that Paul preached was not the birth of Caesar but the death, resurrection, and Lordship of Jesus Christ, offering true peace and salvation not through earthly power but through faith in Him.

The use of the term Parousia to describe the coming of Jesus is particularly significant. This term was used to denote the royal presence of the emperor when he visited a province. By using the same word for Christ’s return, Paul was asserting that Jesus, not Caesar, was the true sovereign whose arrival would mark the ultimate manifestation of divine power and authority.

The teaching draws attention to the reaction Paul’s message provoked. In Acts 17, when Paul preached in Thessalonica, he and his companions were accused of treason against Caesar because they professed allegiance to another king, Jesus. This accusation underscores the direct conflict between the claims of Christ and the claims of the Roman Empire. To declare Jesus as Lord and King was to deny Caesar’s ultimate authority, a politically dangerous stance in the Roman world.

Furthermore, Paul’s emphasis on believers’ citizenship in heaven contrasted sharply with the Roman emphasis on earthly citizenship and loyalty to the empire. By calling believers to see themselves as citizens of a different kingdom, Paul was urging them to prioritize their allegiance to God over their allegiance to Rome. This spiritual and political defiance was the root cause of the persecution faced by early Christians, who refused to participate in the imperial cult and declare Caesar as God.

The speaker emphasizes that Paul’s primary mission was to reach those who were far from the hope of the true God, living under the shadow of the Roman Empire and its false promises of peace and security. Paul’s letters were intended to open their eyes to a better kingdom, a more powerful King, and a genuine path to salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible, the sword of the Spirit, serves as the primary weapon in this spiritual battle against worldly powers and false allegiances.

Application for Everyday Life

The revolutionary message of Paul has profound implications for believers today. Just as the early Christians faced the challenge of prioritizing their allegiance to Christ over Caesar, we too are confronted with various “Caesars” in our modern world – things that demand our ultimate loyalty, time, and resources. Applying the principles from this teaching can help us discern these modern-day idols and reaffirm our commitment to Jesus Christ:

• Identify Your “Caesar”: Reflect on what currently holds the highest place of authority and influence in your life. Is it your career, finances, relationships, social status, personal comfort, or something else? Consider what you look to for peace, security, and fulfillment.
• Prioritize Your Allegiance: Recognize that as followers of Jesus, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. This means that our primary loyalty belongs to God and His Kingdom, which should shape our decisions and priorities in every area of life.
• Use Your Sword: Engage with the Scriptures regularly. The Bible is our primary weapon in the spiritual battles we face, providing guidance, encouragement, and the truth that sets us free from false allegiances. Don’t let other resources replace your personal study of God’s Word.
• Defy Worldly Powers: Be aware of the values and systems of the world that contradict God’s Kingdom. Like the early Christians who refused to worship Caesar, we may be called to stand against injustice, materialism, and other idols of our time, always doing so with love and respect.
• Proclaim Jesus as Lord: In your words and actions, consistently affirm Jesus as the true King and Lord of your life. Let your life be a testament to His authority and the transformative power of His Gospel.
• Seek True Peace and Security: Recognize that the peace and security offered by the world are often temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. Place your trust in Jesus, who offers lasting peace and eternal security in His Kingdom.

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Resources Mentioned

• Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Rome by Richard Horsley
• Imperial Society by Richard Horsley
• Christ and Caesar, Paul’s Gospel and Caesar’s Empire