READING • ROMANS 13
A disciple lives under human government, but belongs first to God
The Bible teaches disciples to respect rulers, obey the law, pay what is due and pray for those in authority. At the same time, allegiance to God comes first. This creates important questions about war, the use of force, jury service, politics, protest and voting.
"Fear God. Honour the king."
Peter wrote to believers living under Roman rule. They could not choose their rulers, and some rulers were hostile to the gospel. Yet Peter did not teach rebellion. He taught respect for civil authority while placing the fear of God first.
"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."
1 Peter 2:17 • King James Version
Those four short commands give the order clearly. A disciple should show honour and good conduct towards others, love fellow believers, fear God, and honour the ruler. Honour for the state is real, but it is never greater than obedience to God.
Five areas of conscience
The original lesson identifies five areas in which a disciple may have to decide how far involvement with the state is consistent with following Christ. The exact laws differ from country to country, but the Bible principles remain the same.
AREA
THE QUESTION FOR A DISCIPLE
Military service
Can a follower of Jesus train to fight, carry weapons or take part in war?
Police and armed state roles
Can a disciple accept a role that may require force, weapons or coercive authority?
Jury and judicial functions
Should a disciple take responsibility for condemning or punishing another person on behalf of the state?
Political protest
Should a disciple join movements that try to compel governments to change policy?
Voting and political office
Should a disciple choose rulers, support parties or take part in governing the present world?
The first principle: be subject to the law
Romans 13 begins with a strong instruction. Civil government has a God-permitted role in maintaining order, restraining wrongdoing and collecting taxes. The disciple is therefore not to be known as lawless, dishonest or rebellious.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Romans 13:1 • King James Version
Obedience includes ordinary duties
Paul makes the teaching practical. Submission to authority includes paying taxes and giving proper respect. A disciple should not use religious conviction as an excuse for dishonesty, tax evasion, disorderly conduct or disregard of ordinary law.
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
Romans 13:7 • King James Version
Let your life support what you say
If a disciple later has to explain a conscientious objection, the explanation will carry more weight if his or her ordinary life already shows respect, honesty and peaceful conduct. Jesus told his followers that their good works should be visible.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 • King James Version
Pray for rulers
The disciple does not need to approve of everything a government does in order to pray for those who hold authority. Paul asks believers to pray so that they may be able to live quietly, peaceably and in godliness.
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
1 Timothy 2:2 • King James Version
God rules in the kingdoms of men
Daniel was taught that human rulers do not stand outside God's purpose. Governments rise and fall, but the Most High remains sovereign. This is one reason Christadelphians have traditionally avoided trying to control political outcomes themselves.
"...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."
Daniel 4:25 (excerpt) • King James Version
Obedience to the state is not unlimited
Romans 13 does not mean that a government can command a disciple to disobey God. When the apostles were ordered to stop preaching, Peter and the others gave the governing principle: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). A disciple should obey the law wherever possible, but never by deliberately disobeying God.
Military service and the use of force
The most serious conflict can arise when a government requires military service. Christadelphians have historically been conscientious objectors because the commands and example of Jesus are understood to forbid his disciples from taking human life or fighting for the kingdoms of this world.
What about the swords in Luke 22?
Luke 22:35-38 is sometimes used to argue that Jesus expected his disciples to be armed. But the events that followed show that the swords were not permission to fight. When a disciple used one during Jesus' arrest, Jesus immediately stopped him.
"Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."
Matthew 26:52 • King James Version
Luke adds that the servant of the high priest had been wounded, and that Jesus healed him. The response of Jesus was not armed resistance but mercy, even towards those who had come to arrest him.
"And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."
Luke 22:51 • King James Version
The Kingdom of Christ is not defended by human weapons
When Jesus stood before Pilate he explained why his servants were not fighting to prevent his arrest. His Kingdom is not part of the present political order and is not established by military force.
"My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight... but now is my kingdom not from hence."
John 18:36 (excerpt) • King James Version
The Kingdom for which disciples wait will be established by God when Jesus returns. The disciple therefore does not take up arms for one present nation against another. Believers may live in different countries, but they are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Conscientious objection
In countries where military service is compulsory, refusing it may require courage. A disciple should not simply ignore a summons or disappear. The right course is to explain the religious conviction truthfully and use whatever lawful procedure exists for conscientious objection or exemption.
IF YOU FACE CONSCRIPTION
A CAREFUL RESPONSE
Know the Bible reasons
Be able to explain the teaching of Jesus about violence, his Kingdom and love of enemies.
Tell the truth
Do not invent medical, family or other reasons if the real reason is conscience before God.
Use the lawful process
Apply for exemption, alternative arrangements or a hearing where these exist.
Seek help
Ask experienced brethren and sisters or the appropriate Christadelphian committee for guidance.
Remain peaceable
If the authorities reject the objection, continue to speak respectfully and do not answer force with force.
Police and other uniformed roles
The issue is not the uniform itself. Many useful civilian occupations use uniforms without requiring violence. The conscience question is what the role requires. Police and similar armed services normally carry authority to detain, coerce, use force and, in some countries, use weapons. For those reasons Christadelphians have traditionally not entered the police or armed forces.
Look at the duties, not the clothing
Before accepting employment, ask what you may be required to do in an emergency, what oath or pledge may be required, whether you may have to carry a weapon, and whether the role could compel you to act against the commands of Christ.
Jury service and judgement
Some countries require citizens to serve on juries and decide whether an accused person is guilty. Christadelphians have traditionally sought exemption from jury service because it places the believer within the state's judicial process and may require a verdict that leads to punishment.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged..."
Matthew 7:1-2 (excerpt) • King James Version
Matthew 7 does not forbid every act of discernment. Jesus continues by condemning hypocritical judgement - seeing another person's fault while ignoring our own. The traditional Christadelphian concern about jury service is broader: a disciple chooses not to take the state's authority to condemn and punish another person.
If you are summoned for jury service
Do not ignore the summons. Laws and exemption procedures vary. Explain the religious objection honestly and use the lawful process available in your country. Where the law leaves the decision to personal conscience, discuss the matter carefully with mature brethren and sisters.
Our citizenship is with Christ
Paul reminds believers that their deepest loyalty is not to the political system around them. In the King James Version, Philippians 3:20 uses the word "conversation"; in this context it carries the idea of commonwealth or citizenship. The believer waits for the Saviour from heaven.
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Philippians 3:20 • King James Version
This does not make a disciple careless about the country in which he lives. On the contrary, he should be a peaceful, honest and useful neighbour. But he does not identify his hope with a human party, government or national programme.
Voting and political office
In many countries citizens are invited, or sometimes required, to vote. Christadelphians have traditionally abstained from voting and from standing for political office. The reason is not apathy. It is the conviction that God rules among the nations and that the disciple should not choose between competing rulers or become responsible for a party's programme.
WHY ABSTAIN?
THE PRINCIPLE
God is sovereign
Daniel 4 teaches that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men.
Christ is our King
The disciple waits for the Kingdom of God under the Lord Jesus Christ.
Parties require choices
Voting identifies the voter with a candidate or programme that may include policies contrary to Scripture.
Political office governs others
Holding office involves exercising the authority of the present state rather than waiting for Christ's rule.
Political protest and campaigns
The same principle affects demonstrations, party campaigns and movements designed to pressure governments. The traditional Christadelphian position is to remain outside political agitation rather than trying to compel the present world to adopt a particular programme.
This does not mean indifference to suffering or injustice. A disciple can feed the hungry, care for the sick, protect the vulnerable, give generously and help a neighbour. The difference is between doing good and joining a struggle for political power.
Separation does not mean isolation
Paul tells believers not to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. That is not a command to avoid all contact with other people. Disciples work, trade, study and live alongside their neighbours. The warning is against relationships or commitments that bind the believer to purposes that conflict with faithfulness to God.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14 • King James Version
A DISCIPLE SHOULD
A DISCIPLE AVOIDS
Obey lawful authority
Armed conflict and military service
Pay taxes and debts honestly
Political party allegiance and political office
Pray for rulers
Voting to choose rulers
Work honestly and do good
Coercive political protest and violent action
Treat officials respectfully
Roles that require conduct contrary to Christ's commands
When conscience and law come into conflict
Most of the time a disciple can obey both God and the law of the country. The difficult cases are those in which a law or official command requires something that Scripture forbids, or forbids something that God requires. Acts 5 gives the order of loyalty clearly.
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Acts 5:29 • King James Version
This principle is not a licence for general disobedience. Peter and the apostles were willing to suffer the consequences of their obedience to God; they did not answer the authorities with violence. Christian conscience should therefore be informed by Scripture, expressed honestly and carried out peaceably.
Before choosing a job or public role
Modern employment can be complicated. A job title may not reveal everything a person will be expected to do. Before entering a role connected with government, security, law enforcement or political administration, it is wise to ask practical questions.
ASK
WHY IT MATTERS
Could I be required to use force?
A role may be peaceful most of the time but still require violence in an emergency.
Could I be required to carry or use a weapon?
The disciple must decide before a crisis, not after receiving an order.
What oath, pledge or allegiance is required?
No promise should place loyalty to a human authority above loyalty to God.
Would I be choosing, judging or punishing for the state?
These duties may conflict with the traditional Christadelphian position of separation from government.
Can I perform the role with a clear conscience before God?
A career advantage is never more important than faithfulness to Christ.
Contentment and confidence in God
The disciple does not withdraw from politics because nothing matters. He withdraws because his confidence is placed elsewhere. Hebrews connects contentment with trust that God will not forsake His people.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have... The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Hebrews 13:5-6 (excerpt) • King James Version
What have we learned?
1. Disciples should respect civil authorities, obey the law, pay taxes and pray for rulers.
2. Obedience to government is limited by the higher duty to obey God.
3. The commands and example of Jesus lead Christadelphians to conscientious objection to military service and armed conflict.
4. Police and similar roles must be judged by their actual duties, especially the use of force, weapons and coercive authority.
5. Christadelphians have traditionally sought exemption from jury service and remained outside the judicial power of the state.
6. Christadelphians traditionally abstain from voting, political office and political protest because their citizenship and hope are centred on the Kingdom of God.
7. Separation from politics does not mean indifference: disciples should be honest, peaceable, compassionate and active in doing good.
Passages to read
1 Peter 2:11-17 • Matthew 5:38-48 • Matthew 26:47-54 • Luke 22:35-53 • John 18:33-38 • Romans 12:14-21 • Romans 13:1-7 • 1 Timothy 2:1-4 • Daniel 4:17-25 • Acts 5:27-32 • Philippians 3:17-21 • 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
VERSE TO LEARN • 1 PETER 2:17
"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."
CHRISTADELPHIAN BIBLE MISSION • 5
CHRISTADELPHIAN BIBLE MISSION • 5