The Rights of Citizenship
Today we traveled to Brighton for grandson Riley’s football game. They won by a big margin and Riley played well. This evening at Timberline Church they honored Pastor Dary and Bonnie Northrop for 30 years of ministry at the church. It has been great to observe for many years from the “outside” the growth of the church and its impact on the city. We are pleased at this point in our life to be a part of the congregation.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…as the soldiers were tying him up, preparing to beat him, Paul said to an officer nearby, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen who has not been proven guilty?” Acts 22:25 NCV
It is challenging to make comparisons over the centuries and to various forms of government. However, it seems throughout time citizens of various countries and in various forms of government were granted, “rights.” Our country is unique in that our founders recognized that certain, basic rights of citizenship are not granted by government but are possessed by all individuals. These rights are from the highest authority, the “Creator.” So, we read in the Declaration of Independence those famous words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”
As our U.S. Constitution was established the first ten amendments formed what is referred to as the “Bill of Rights.” These specific “rights” that government establishes ensure and safeguard the “unalienable” rights from our Creator of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As we look at the Apostle Paul and his Roman citizenship, we see that he was aware of his rights and used them at opportune times. The first we see is when Paul and Silas were put in prison in the City of Philippi. They were beaten and place in stocks. After the Lord miraculously intervenes and the jailer and his family come to the Lord, the next day they are told they can leave. But Paul said to the police, “They beat us in public without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens. And they threw us in jail. Now they want to make us go away quietly. No! Let them come themselves and bring us out.” (Acts 16:37 NCV)
Roman law prevented the beating of a Roman citizen before a trial. Even though his assertion of his rights as a citizen only earned him an apology, later when in Jerusalem, it did save him from being beaten. As Paul was once again facing a beating after a riot took place he asked the officials, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen who has not been proven guilty?” Acts 22:25 NCV
This lead to a lengthy time of being placed under Roman custody, as Paul’s enemies were trying to manipulate the authorities into turning Paul over to them. When Paul was asked to return to Jerusalem to face a Jewish court, Paul made his appeal.
Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here….I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10,11 NLT)
Knowing our rights as citizens and knowing how to use those rights is important in a secular society. We see it in Paul’s day and it applies to our day as well. We must remember to exercise our rights with the “right” attitude; one that pleases Christ.
Prayer for today…Â Lord, grant us the wisdom that we need to exercise our rights as needed. As we do help us to do so with an attitude of humility and respect.