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“My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom…” (John 18:36)
Jesus Christ spoke those words to a Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, nearly 2000 years ago. At the time, the Roman Empire was nearing its peak as far as political domination, infrastructure, architecture, culture, and art.
From an earthly standpoint, its accomplishments were impressive.

Yet, Jesus did not teach his disciples to lean on Roman political solutions.

Similarly, early Christian missionaries did not point toward the mighty Roman government as a remedy for mankind’s ills. In fact, opposers accused them of treason because they taught faith in the risen Christ as king. “…They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” (Acts 17:7)

While there were many Jewish revolts against Rome (Such as the one in 73AD, resulting in the mass suicide at the fortress of Masada), none involved Christians.

The Apostle Paul explicitly told believers in Rome to obey the government. (Roman’s 13:1,2) He repeated those instructions in Titus 3:1. The Apostle Peter did likewise (I Peter 2:13, 14) and wrote, “Fear God and respect the king”.

Yet, there are no recommendations from Jesus or the early disciples to involve themselves in the political affairs of the day.
Surely there were social ills and injustices that needed correcting.
But they taught that those problems would be cured by God’s kingdom. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All those things are gone forever.”

This is likely why Paul wrote what he did in Philippians 3:20, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our savior.”


Many Roman leaders were extremely charismatic, as well as being gifted orators. They were regarded as gods. And yet this general principal was taught, “…So don’t boast about following a particular human leader.” (I Corinthians 3:21)


For all its grandeur, all its accomplishments and the adulation heaped on its leaders, Rome eventually came to nothing.

We can all appreciate the disappointment, and even the anger we feel when we are misled by kings, politicians, or the media. Even the greatest accomplishments of sincere leaders will not last.


So, now more than ever, Paul’s words to Titus have tremendous significance. “…This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before the world began.” (Titus 1:2)


All scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation.