1 Timothy 2.1-2: I urge,
then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be
made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live
peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (New International Version).
Little is known about
Athenagoras of Athens. It is
uncertain when he was born or died, but he lived in the second half of the
second century. He is known to be
an Athenian philosopher who was converted to Christianity. His writing certainly reflects this.
Perhaps he should be better
known for one of his statements on the Godhead. He writes one of the clearest and earliest formulations on
the Trinity known in history. If
this had been heeded, it would have saved the Early Church a couple centuries
of debate.
With the Church still facing
the fires of persecution in the second century, Athenagoras appeals directly to
the emperor in “A Plea for Christians” (around 177 A.D.) “Apparently Athenagoras believed that
it would help the emperor to stop persecuting Christians if he understood that
Christians believed in a God much like he believed in. Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher most
influenced by Stoicism, whose god was virtually equated with the immutable and
perfect order of the universe.”[1] In the final essay, “Entreaty to be
Fairly Judged,” Athenagoras appeals for favor from Marcus Aurelius based on the
fact that Christians obey the Biblical command to pray for their leaders.
“And now do you
[Marcus Aurelius], who are entirely in everything, by nature and by education,
upright, and moderate, and benevolent, and worthy of your rule, now that I
[Athenagoras] have disposed of the several accusations, and proved that we
[Christians] are pious, and gentle, and temperate in spirit, bend your royal
head in approval. For who are more deserving to obtain
the things they ask, than those who, like us, pray for your government, that
you may, as is most equitable, receive the kingdom, son from father, and that
your empire may receive increase and addition, all men becoming subject to your
sway? And this is also for our
advantage, that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life, and may ourselves
readily perform all that is commanded us.”[2]
First
of all, we see that Early Christians not only pray for their leaders, but also
pray specifically. They pray that
the rule of Marcus will be established and passed on from generation to
generation. They pray the empire
will increase, will prosper, and will be able to conquer new territory. They pray for men to come into
submission to the empire. This
type of specific prayer is exactly what Paul is discussing in 1 Timothy 2.1. How
specifically do we pray for our leaders?
 |
| Governor Romney and President Obama First Presidential Debate 10.03.12 |
Third,
Athenagoras makes it abundantly clear that the Church has a voice in
society. Despite persecution, he
writes directly to the emperor and voices the concerns of the Early Church,
citing Scripture. In our society,
we have at least one way to let our voices be heard, by voting. Furthermore, we have every right to allow
our Christian values to inform our decisions. We also have the right to be involved in the processes of
government, a luxury the Early Church does not enjoy.
Let
us consider the honest, respectful, prayerful approach of Athenagoras as we
discuss politics with those around us, as we formulate our opinions, and as we
cast our ballots. Most of all let
us pray for our leaders.
[1] Roger E. Olson, The Story of Christian Theology:
Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform
(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), p. 62.
[2]
Athenagoras, “A Plea for the Christians,” in Fathers Of The Second Century: Hermas,
Tatian, Athenagoras, Theophilus, And Clement Of Alexandria (Entire), vol. 2 of The Ante-Nicene Fathers Translations of The
Writings Of The Fathers Down To A.D. 325,
ed. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, in the Christian Classics Ethereal
Library, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf02.v.ii.xxxvii.html
(accessed September 18, 2012).
Well said. Thanks.
ReplyDelete