Riots, Protests, and Our Christian Response

When history looks back on the days in which we are living, one inevitable headline will feature the dramatic escalation of anger, protests, and even riots – taking aim at hotly debated concerns and societal divisions. Regardless of the issues in contention or who is in the White House, the question remains as to how we are to view this increase of frustration-driven mass outcry as we seek to embrace a distinctly Christian perspective. Actually, the New Testament offers some pertinent and practical wisdom.

New Testament Protesters

My devotional reading this week has been reminiscent of the nightly news as I rediscovered accounts of numerous and angry crowd uprisings. The Book of Acts chronicles the Apostle Paul’s determination to aggressively spread the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. In town after town, jealous Jewish leaders incited persecution among the people – driving Paul and Barnabas out of the city, in another case stoning them, and in another beating and jailing them (Acts 13:45 & 50, 14:19, 16:19-24). In the town of Thessalonica we read that “the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar…” (Acts 17:5). Later these same Jewish leaders tracked down Paul and Barnabas in a distant town and began “agitating and stirring up the crowds” against the gospel-preaching duo. Of course, the names, circumstances, and issues are different today but the motivations of the human heart and group behaviors are very much the same.

Tactics of Control

In my book The Prayer God Loves to Answer I tell the story of an incident that occurred when, as a young associate pastor, I was working for John MacArthur, a renowned Bible teacher and pastor in Southern California. One day his wife Patricia was conversing with a group of us young guys and made a staggering statement when she admitted, “In all our years of marriage, I‘ve never seen John lose his temper.” We were baffled and tried to neutralize our guilt by responding, “That’s because you don’t play basketball with him!”

As you might guess, the statement captivated me. So, in a later conversation, I asked John to explain Patricia’s observation. He responded, “Well, it is my theology. You see, anger is a control mechanism and I have such a high view of the sovereignty of God that, apart from some rare occasions of true righteous indignation, there’s really not a lot that I have to get angry about.” That proved to be a memorable and transformational conversation for me.

Protests are commonly driven by a need to control the agenda and/or perceived threat from some opposing person, policy, or political party. In the history of our nation, some protests have effected change; most have just been a media moment and, in some cases, the cause of very unfortunate destruction to property and lives. I would hasten to note that there is a difference between a furious and bad-mannered demonstration and a peaceful, positive rally for a worthy cause. Both express our First Amendment rights as Americans. Both do not represent a biblical attitude and approach.

Five Essential Biblical Commitments

The New Testament was addressed to Christians living under the rule of a godless, idolatrous, pagan, oppressive, and largely anti-Christian government, embodied in the Roman Empire. This is important because, as uneasy as we may feel about our government, we must remember that Rome was certainly no friend of faith and an easy target for protest and open disdain. Yet, in this context, Jesus, Paul, and Peter offered clear biblical guidance.

The New Testament was addressed to Christians living under the rule of a godless, idolatrous, pagan, oppressive, and largely anti-Christian government, embodied in the Roman Empire. This is important because, as uneasy as we may feel about our government, we must remember that Rome was certainly no friend of faith.

Pay Your Taxes Dutifully – Jesus’ teaching was clear, both in His example and admonition: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21).

Pray for Leaders Faithfully – Paul elevates prayer as a high priority in our lives and congregational engagement, and tells us to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2). Note the word “all.” Also note that our praying changes us (not necessarily the leaders) so that we will live a distinctly Christian life. (Review the character qualities in this verse.)

Respect Leaders Honorably – Peter’s words are profound in our culture of protest, especially as we realize that he wrote to suffering and persecuted Christians:

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13–17).

Regardless of our political opinions, we cannot dismiss these relevant truths – especially in our day, when it is so easy to spout off on social media. I know I’ve been tempted and guilty too often.

Obey Scripture Supremely – One caveat is found in Acts 4:19-20, where the apostles could not obey the command of the Jewish leaders to stop preaching the gospel. Peter and John stated, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.” When the government requires us to disobey clear teachings of Scripture, we must respectfully decline, whatever the cost.

Utilize Legal Avenues Necessarily – There are admittedly some rather gray areas, like pursuing one’s legal case through the court system, writing letters/emails to legislators, etc. (See 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 for guidance about lawsuits between believers.) Some of these actions do not seem to be prohibited by Scripture as long as one’s attitude and approach honors Christ. Certainly we should exercise the privilege of voting.

Checking Our Attitude

I see two essential attitudes emphasized in the New Testament.

A Prayerful Confidence in the Gospel

In Acts 4:18-31 we see the first moments of persecution against the early Christians and find a powerful example for our responses today. The church appealed to God in Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer as they gathered in united response. They affirmed that God knew their situation. They claimed the truths of the word and asked for a greater Spirit-filled boldness to continue to boldly preach the gospel. Whatever the cost, we cannot be silent about the glory and goodness of the gospel. To compromise the message of the cross would be like withholding the only available cure from a terminally sick patient.

Whatever the cost, we cannot be silent about the glory and goodness of the gospel. To compromise the message of the cross would be like withholding the only available cure from a terminally sick patient.

A Christlike Trust in Ultimate Justice

Returning to Peter’s guidance for persecuted Christians, we find a powerful challenge to walk in the steps of Jesus, who suffered unjustly for us. Peter says, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:22–23). Jesus – not some political pundit or social activist – is our example. As I often say, “The scoreboard is in heaven.” Our earthly journey is rife with temporal wins and losses – personally and politically. But God keeps score and His justice will be perfect and final. Thus, we continually trust Him in our approach and attitude.

Our earthly journey is rife with temporal wins and losses – personally and politically. But God keeps score and His justice will be perfect and final. Thus, we continually trust Him in our approach and attitude.

So, as you try to make sense of our culture of protest, I commend you to your own evaluation of the New Testament in hopes that my words have challenged you. In all things let us follow Jesus, adorn His gospel, and live with deep trust that we have a great and just God who superintends the affairs of all people and nations – even when the nuances of the present society don’t make a lot of sense.

Copyright ©2021 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.