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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.

Matthew 5:13

Salt and Light
(Mark 9:49–50; Luke 14:34–35; Philippians 2:12–18)

13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.