Caesar Jesus?: The Kingship of Jesus and Political Authorities in Luke and Acts

In Acts 17 Paul teaches in the synagogue of Thessalonica that Jesus is the Christ. In response a group of Jews form a mob and bring an accusation against Paul and his coworkers before the local authorities, saying, “they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17:7). Is the mob’s accusation right? This presentation examines what Luke has to say about the relationship between the kingship of Jesus and actual political authorities. Is Jesus a revolutionary alternative to Caesar? Is the rule and reign of Jesus entirely compatible with the rule and reign of Caesar? This presentation will offer reflections on how Luke’s navigation of the tension between the universal Lordship of Jesus and the political power of earthly authorities offers guidance to Christians today as they seek to be faithful citizens of God’s two kingdoms