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Concordia Theological Monthly

Publication Date

1-1-1956

Document Type

Article

Keywords

two kingdoms, two realms, secular, luther, political, spiritual, christian, government, caesar

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

In the dramatic episode before Pilate, Caesar's procurator, Christ said: "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36). Christ unquestionably possessed a kingdom, one of power, righteousness, wealth, stability, beauty, but now as He stands before Caesar, He seems to be dispossessed. So great was His extremity that the primus inter pares of the small band, the very one who shortly before had wielded a sword to save Him, an hour later vehemently denied knowing Him. Christ's kingdom, which was to grow until it would be spread throughout the world, seemed unable to save its king. Already in this crucial situation we perceive the accuracy of Erich Frank's observation that in this world it is always Caesar who conquers, and always Christ who is crucified.

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

John 18:36; Romans 13:4; 1 Corinthians 2:8; John 16:33; John 13:1; John 17:11; Colossians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:19;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

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