From Caesar to Christ

Aim: To trust God as faithful citizens and churchmen.

Doctrine: Even when true Christians must appeal to Caesar, they are always looking to Christ. Paul's decision was highly prudent, since gross injustice would have been the alternative.

Exegesis: How the true church is to walk the Caesar to Christ pathway: we trust God to work through the state (vv. 1-5); we speak the truth to everyone (vv. 6-8); we make decisions in the interest of the gospel (vv. 9-12).

Further application: How saints are to thrive in the Caesar to Christ tension: by resting in God's sovereignty and by stretching to extend Jesus' kingdom.

Key phrase: v. 11b ''...But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.''