Rome prided itself on its laws. Rome believed their laws were civil and just. However, all law has weaknesses and/or flaws. Man-made laws are flawed because those who create them are born with and within the power of sin. As we grow the power of sin creates personal flaws that dictate our thoughts, and our thoughts dictate our actions and words. These bleach into our laws and judicial systems.
All society needs laws to protect the weak and helpless, maintain order, and deal with our subjection to the power of sin and the flaws it creates in us. However, three inevitable outcomes result from all human laws. 1) They cannot deal with all possibilities, 2) laws are often created that favor the powerful and rich, and 3) even if a law is good it can be either used improperly, manipulated by the judge, and even ignored.
Paul experienced all three outcomes when the Romans ceased him from the religious mob in the Jerusalem temple. 1) Roman law could not deal with the events that lead to Paul’s arrest for he did nothing wrong. 2) Roman law favored Roman citizens which is why the centurion and commander were so concerned when they found out Paul was a Roman citizen. 3) The commander was using the law that allowed flogging for his own purposes. Also, he was afraid of the mob and what he believed his rulers would say.
How should I live in a world and society with obvious weaknesses and flaws in its judicial system? Paul and Jesus give answers. Paul remained calm. He did not repay evil with evil as Jesus taught. Paul turned the other cheek also as Jesus taught.
Paul remained dedicated to serving God and others as Jesus taught. Paul used every opportunity to share the gospel and help others. He had compassion for the Jews and Romans. He did not let the Romans do something like flogging him, that would be a violation of Roman law. He gave a chance for his fellow Jesus to hear the truth.
Paul learned and understood Roman law. He did not seek to start a civil rebellion. (Eph. 6:12)
Paul did not remove himself and those he converted to an isolated community. He stayed within society doing good just as Jesus taught, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:15-18).”
