Resistance

Jesus’ command to make disciples in Matthew 28:19 is directly linked to the reality that all authority has been given to Him. He is King. Further, verse 20 reminds us that we are disciple the nations to obey Him. Understanding the fact that all authority is under Christ puts the spheres of authority in their proper place. Husbands oversee homes (Ephesians 5). Elders oversee churches (Hebrews 13). Magistrates oversee civil matters (Romans 13). The question at hand is what to do when the governing authorities overstep their role and become tyrants. This episode addresses a few key instances of imposition in Scripture and Church History.

Matthew 28:18-20

  • Jesus is King over everything.

  • The proclamation of the Gospel inherently involves the call call to repent and believe the gospel, thus declaring Jesus “Lord” (Romans 10:9-10)

  • Denial of Christ before men is tantamount to apostasy (Matthew 10:33)

  • This is why the “pinch of incense” and the declaration of Caesar as “lord” was considered apostasy.  

  • What is the “pinch of incense” of our day? 

Spheres of authority are under Christ .

  • Fathers over homes (Ep.h 5, 1 Cor. 11)

  • Elders over churches (Heb. 13)

  • Magistrates over civil matters (Rom 13)

Romans 13 does not give absolute authority to magistrates.

  • Magistrates are servants of God.

  • Their role is to punish evil and promote good (defined in the Law).

  • Their role is NOT to provide food, healthcare, education, etc. (protection and provision of the home are the role of husbands/fathers, parents). 

  • If they step outside their role, they don’t have authority.

Acts 5:29 

  • Obey God rather than men.

  • Jewish leaders were leveraging the power of the state.

Daniel 3,6,1 (Remain faithful to God no matter what.)

Exodus 1 (Hebrew midwives faithfully lie to the tyrants to save babies.)

Rahab lies to protect the Hebrew spies (Joshua 2:1, 3; 6:17-25; Hebrews 11:31)


Tyrannicide is at times inacted in the Bible.

  • Ehud (Judges 3)

  • Jael (Judges 4:21-22)


Christian heritage of resistance:

  • French Huguenots

  • Magdeburg Confession

  • Puritan Patriots and the American Revolution

Book Recommendations:

  • Slaying Leviathan by Glenn Sunshine

  • The Magdeburg Confession

  • The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates by Matthew Trewhella

  • Vindiciae Contra Tyrannus by Junius Brutus