The Great King - Philippians 4:22b

22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 4:22.

• The greeting from believers in Caesar's household shows that the gospel reaches people even within the structures of imperial power.
• Paul used the lawful benefits of Roman citizenship without hiding his higher identity as a citizen of heaven or his allegiance to the gospel.
• Christians should pray for rulers so that people may live quiet, peaceable, godly lives, including difficult prayers for justice and protection of the oppressed.
• Believers ordinarily submit to governing authorities, honor their lawful claims, and may use civil rights and appeals as Paul did.
• When human rulers command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, Christians must obey the higher King through peaceful faithfulness.
• No political leader can bear the hopes that belong to Jesus, the King of kings who saves sinners, rules his people, and will receive every knee's confession.

• What does the presence of believers in Caesar's household reveal about the reach of the gospel?
• How did Paul use his Roman citizenship in service of truth and gospel witness?
• Do I pray for rulers with the same energy that I use to discuss or criticize them?
• Which virtues and acts of justice should I ask God to produce in civil leaders?
• What lawful obligations do I owe governing authorities even when I disagree with them?
• How can I distinguish a command I merely dislike from one that actually contradicts God's law?
• Have I placed messianic expectations upon a candidate, party, or government that only Christ can fulfill?
• How should confidence in Jesus' kingship shape my conduct in politically charged times?

Gospel citizenship

The believer's primary identity and allegiance as a citizen of Christ's heavenly kingdom.

Civil citizenship

Membership in an earthly political community, with lawful benefits, obligations, protections, and avenues of appeal.

Civil magistrate

A governing authority ordained under God's supreme rule for public good, justice, and restraint of evil.

Submission

Respectful obedience to lawful civil authority as an ordinance of God, including payment of taxes and due honor.

Civil disobedience

Peaceful refusal to obey a human command that directly conflicts with God's higher law.

Intercession

Prayer offered for other people, including rulers, asking God to grant justice, wisdom, peace, and protection.

Kingship of Christ

Jesus' supreme authority to rule and defend his people, conquer enemies, and order all things for his glory and their good.