Jesus Is Lord, Caesar Is Not

By Scot McKnight

Book Description

In a world where political power and spiritual truth often seem at odds, this scholarly exploration offers profound insights into how early Christians navigated the complex relationship between faith and empire. Scot McKnight brings together respected biblical scholars to examine a crucial question that resonates deeply today: How do we understand the New Testament's teachings about earthly authority when its pages were written under Roman rule?

This thoughtful analysis delves into the apparent contradictions within Scripture itself. Jesus instructs followers to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, yet Luke boldly proclaims Christ as the true Savior and Lord. Peter calls believers to honor the emperor, while John's apocalyptic vision condemns Rome as corrupt Babylon. These tensions reveal the nuanced wisdom of biblical authors who lived under imperial power while proclaiming a higher kingdom.

The contributors acknowledge valuable insights from recent scholarship that views the New Testament through the lens of empire, recognizing how early Christians confronted Roman ideology and emperor worship. However, they caution against allowing anti-imperial rhetoric to overshadow the text's broader spiritual message. Rather than forcing predetermined political interpretations onto Scripture, this work seeks to hear the biblical authors within their historical context while preserving the timeless spiritual truths they conveyed.

For modern readers seeking to understand how faith intersects with political realities, this accessible yet rigorous examination provides essential guidance for navigating the eternal tension between spiritual devotion and civic responsibility.