Daily Devotional | Two Kingdoms

Did you know you are a citizen of not one but two kingdoms? Martin Luther observed that we are in kingdoms of Earth and of heaven. In the heavenly kingdom, God rules perfectly. In the earthly, God has delegated authority to rulers who often exercise it imperfectly. While Paul answered first and foremost to God, He suffered and benefited because he was a Roman citizen.

Paul’s case was one of the first matters Festus took up after he replaced Felix. Perhaps this was because he knew the Jews had sent letters to Rome criticizing Felix. Festus visited Jerusalem, where Paul’s opponents demanded that he be transferred. Their request was a ruse. If Festus granted their petition, they intended to kill Paul while he was on route. Instead, Festus invited them to present their case to him in Caesarea (vv. 4–5). Festus attempted to curry favor with Paul’s opponents by suggesting that his trial take place in Jerusalem. But Paul thwarted him by claiming his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. It is possible that he merely meant that Festus should render judgment in the case instead of Paul’s opponents in Jerusalem. But it seems likely that Paul saw bias in the governor’s suggestion of a change of venue for the trial. By appealing to Caesar, Paul not only kept the trial out of hostile territory, but he also obligated Festus to ensure his safety on the journey to Rome.

Before his departure, Paul had the opportunity to speak to Herod Agrippa II. Festus claimed that the purpose of the meeting was so that he could consult with Agrippa about the case.

>> When we, as Christians, exercise our rights and responsibilities as citizens, the system does not always act in our favor. But we can know for certain that God is at work in both kingdoms to accomplish His perfect purpose. That is why, in Romans 13:4, Paul calls civil authorities “God’s servants.” There is only One True Authority.

Pray with Us

Today’s teaching about authority gives us an opportunity to pray for our leaders in all areas, as well as men and women in politics. Almighty God, we ask you to put your hand on our country’s leaders—may they fear you and hear you.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.