44 Obedience to government is not a uniquely Pauline concept. Similar themes are echoed in 1 Peter 2:13–17, and in Christ’s admonition to render unto both God and Caesar (Matt. 22:15–22). Christians are commanded to obey not merely to escape punishment, but, as Paul notes, “for the sake of conscience.” Put simply, we obey because it is the right thing to do, regardless of other factors. This is the difference between going the speed limit only when a police officer’s cruiser is stationed alongside the road, and in adhering to the law on an empty and desolate highway. Conscience is a sterner master than fear of retribution, and acquiescence to conscience’s demands reveals a transformed heart and a will that is pliable to God’s dictates. Scripture also makes it clear that our obedience to government is not absolute. Daniel went to the lions’ den (Dan. 6) and his compatriots, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into a fiery furnace (Dan. 3) for their disobedience to government. They are praised for doing so. The disciples spent time in jail, also for refusing government’s commands (Acts 5). Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill baby boys as they were born, but the women, who feared God, refused. All of these events, however, share something in common. In every instance, the people of God are being told to break God’s law by governments. Daniel prayed. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow down to a graven image. The disciples preached the Gospel. The Hebrew midwives did not kill the innocent. When conflicts arise between God’s commandments and government’s laws, our choice, as believers, is a clear one. God’s law supersedes that of human institutions, so we cannot sin in order to obey the government. This is true for sins of omission, when we fail to do what is required (pray or preach the Gospel), and for sins of commission, when we do what is forbidden (worshipping an idol or murder). While this still begs many questions (How do we respond to evil governments when they are not forcing us to break the law? Is there a right of rebellion or revolution? Is self-defense against government permissible and, if so, when?), the principle is clear. We must obey government at least until it forces us to sin. At that point, to obey government would be sinful. Readers should also take notice that the biblical standard includes an acceptance of punishments by government once they are handed down, even if those punishments are for actions taken to obey God’s law. Daniel, his trio of fellow Jews, and the disciples all were caught and punished by that government. While God miraculously intervened to protect in the first two cases, he did not in the third. The disciples were beaten for
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