In comparison to the Essenes and Zealots, Jesus took a much more moderate view of the Romans. I can’t think of a time when the Gospels quote Jesus railing against the government of Rome. He grew up in Galilee and must have seen many Roman soldiers and troops passing through. Jesus' position was one of virtually ignoring them. He was more interested in the things that were God’s.

It was very unpopular to be a friend of a publican (a Jew who collected and calculated taxes for Rome). Nevertheless, one of the comments about Jesus was that He was a "a friend of publicans and sinners." Jesus even chose one to be His disciple – Matthew (Levi) who was sitting at the tax table when Jesus asked him to "follow me.".

Rome was so resented that when the Pharisees wanted to get Jesus in trouble with the Jewish people, they sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus to ask Him about paying taxes. They first flattered Him by telling Him they knew He would speak the truth and did not fear any man. "Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" With His very famous answer, Jesus was able to avoid the trap and amazed them. He asked to see the coin and then asked who’s picture and name were on it. They answered Caesar’s. He then said, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s" (Matt. 22:16-23).

Nowhere in the gospels do we find Jesus condemning the Romans. And nowhere in the New Testament do we find the words, "Hate the world." We do find the words, "Love (agape = fervently love) not the world."

But we do find these words: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way" (1Tim.2:1-2 RSV). Titus 3:1 says, "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work..." Even in the days of Ezra the people were asked to pray for King Darius and his sons (Ezra 6:10)

Not only were Christians to pray for worldly rulers (whether the rulers were Christians themselves or not), they were also to submit to them. "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 wrong and to praise those who do right"(1Pet. 2:13-14 RSV). For some years scholars were perplexed by the statement "to praise those who do right." But now there is evidence that Rome held up to praise those who did outstanding good deeds.

Perhaps the most powerful statements to God’s people regarding worldly governments – specifically Rome – is in Romans 13. Here it is assumed as it was in 1 Pet. 2, that the government is for the punishment of evildoers and that if you do what is right, you will not be harmed by it. "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval" (Rom. 13:3 RSV). Paul even goes so far use these words for Roman authorities: "for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer" (v. 3 RSV).

Basically, Christians are to hope that the government will leave them alone so they can obey God. Christians are to submit to worldly governments as long as they are not asked to disobey God or Christ’s commands.

Paul also teaches that "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (v.1 RSV). This is consistent with Old Testament teaching. But, we know that obedience to worldly governments is not absolute.

When the apostles were reminded that they had been strictly commanded no to preach in Christ’s name (Acts 4:18ff), they answered: "We must obey God rather than men"(Acts 5:29).

When the King of Babylon made a statue and required that all his subjects bow down and worship it. Daniel’s three friends disobeyed the order of the king (Dan. 3) saying that they could not worship any other God. The king of Persian made a decree that forbade any one to pray to any other God for one month. The penalty for the violation of this edict was to be thrown into a den of lions. "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem; and he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously" (Dan. 6:10 RSV). Essentially, Daniel ignored the decree and did not obey it because it conflicted with his obedience to God.

The fear of God supercedes the fear of worldly authorities. "But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live" (Ex. 1:17 RSV).

For the most part, most governments are neutral regarding Christians because Christian people usually lead a well ordered and peaceable life obeying the laws and paying their taxes (Rom.13:5-7). Most Christians can live in almost any country without trouble from the law because they do good, are honest, care for others, are respectful, etc.

Now and then, a government will turn on certain groups of people and persecute them, and even kill them. It is a nightmare to God’s people when it happens to them. "About that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword

and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread" (Acts 12:1-3 RSV).

At this point, Christians will attempt to escape and hide from the persecution. "…And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles" (Acts 8:1 RSV).

The founding fathers of the USA realized the dangers to people when a government backs a certain religion and persecutes others who are different. Therefore, the second amendment forbidding congress to make law against religion or for religion.

Because of this, it appears that the only way Christians in the USA will ever be persecuted is when the constitution of the United States is no longer defended and upheld. That is not likely to happen unless the USA were conquered!

The Essenes needless feared and hated Rome. The fought against them and died. The Church Jesus founded has found a way to coexist with secular governments and live!
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