Imperial Protocols
System Analysis: Christians as Law Abiding Citizens
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT: The Roman Empire was not an accident; it was providential infrastructure. The Pax Romana (Peace), Roman roads, and legal system were the "Hardware" upon which the "Software" of the Gospel was deployed globally.
// PROTOCOL 01: SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY
"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."
1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)
DIVINE MANDATE:
Civil authority is a delegated system for order. By submitting, we acknowledge God's sovereignty over history. The Christian is a revolutionary not by anarchy, but by exemplary citizenship that "silences the ignorance of foolish people" (v.15).
// PROTOCOL 02: FREEDOM PARAMETERS
"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God."
1 Peter 2:16 (ESV)
SYSTEM ALERT:
Christian Liberty is not a license for chaos. We are liberated from the bondage of sin to become bondservants of God. Using "grace" as a cloak for rebellion is a violation of the Kingdom code.
// PROTOCOL 03: THE HONOR CODE
"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."
1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)
OPERATIONAL DIRECTIVES:
- Universal: Honor all (Dignity of Imago Dei).
- Internal: Love the Brotherhood (The Church).
- Vertical: Fear God (Ultimate Authority).
- Civil: Honor the Emperor (Respect for the Office).
// PROTOCOL 04: RESILIENCE IN INJUSTICE
"Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust."
1 Peter 2:18 (ESV)
ADVANCED TACTIC:
This is the "Hard Mode" of Christianity. Obedience to a benevolent leader is natural; submission to an unjust one is supernatural. It demonstrates that our conduct is not contingent on their fairness, but on our allegiance to Christ.