Freedom of speech

We watched a television show with the theme: freedom of speech. These days, it sadly seems missing for some groups and political correctness has taken its place. The show reminded me of a few people in my life who are transparent, an open book. They say what is on their mind and are easy to know and to talk to because they do not pretend or try to say only what they think people want to hear.

Reading the Bible, I get the sense that the Christians in Corinth were like that. For one thing, of all the churches Paul wrote to this one that is the most openly criticized. You can’t do that with fakes who hide their issues and negatives behind a façade that attempts to cover all their shortcomings.

In Acts, Paul left Athens, the political and intellectual capital of the Attic region of Greece and went to Corinth. Archaeological and literary evidence about Corinth paints a full picture of this city with various sociological, economic, and religious factors offering an understanding of Paul’s letters written to them later. It was rich in history and wealth due to its geographic advantages and cultural diversity but also a hub of Roman paganism and a hotbed for immorality. It hosted athletic games drawing many from across Greece that would become an audience to the gospel before returning to their diverse homelands so became a city of Christian witness.

Paul met a Jew named Aquila there with his wife Priscilla who left their home because Claudius commanded all Jews to leave Rome. They were all tentmakers by trade, supported by it and their mutual faith. Paul reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. However, the Jews opposed and reviled him. He told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)

And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

Paul stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God. Then when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on him. They brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.”

Paul was about to defend himself but Gallio told the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” He drove them from the tribunal and paid no attention to their disputes. (Acts 18:14–17)

This politician didn’t care about religious differences or use them for political self-serving. In a sense, this absence of self-interest is much like people without filters. He didn’t fake what he thought for selfish gain as do many others. This was a key factor in Paul’s freedom of speech in that city.

I can see why many in Corinth were receptive to the Gospel. A lack of desire to impress people sets people up to think clearly about what they hear. People without filters are not pressured by the opinions and ideas of others. They think what they think without trying to be something they are not and when truth comes along, peer pressure will not cause them to shut the door to accepting it.

Not only that, those who are not worried about what people think are strangely not shut down by criticism. They can more objectively listen to it. When I read Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, they show very little praise and lots of correction. It seems to me that this is because they are who they are, able to think objectively about criticism rather than build up walls and shut it out.

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Lord Jesus, this requires further study and observation yet I do see how this freedom to speak works in myself and others. As I become less fearful of being accepted as I am, I am also more able to be corrected when I am wrong. Paul may not have thought too much about this regarding his relationship with the church at Corinth. It likely just naturally happened. These Christians experienced freedom of speech, were without a ton of protective layers and more open to hearing truth, even genuine criticism. They could understand themselves and You without fear because their authorities didn’t enter into their disputes. This clues me on how to respond when others are at odds. If I refuse to take sides, it will help them more honestly examine the issues rather than needing to defend themselves. I now put greater value on the freedom to speak my mind. This freedom may cause a ruckus at times yet the world badly needs it!

What does free speech mean?

Hosea 8:1–10:15, Acts 4:1–37, Job 16:1–9

Two women are in the news. One is protesting abortion and has been put in jail. The other is refusing to grant a marriage license to a same-sex pair who want to get married. Both women are being charged with criminal acts, even though they are only affirming what they believe and that they have the right to say it.

It seems to me that there is a huge disconnect in public policy. The general public can say all kinds of things against God and against Christians, but Christians cannot say anything against anything.

However, I’ve noticed that God never has constraints with ‘politically correct’ regulations. He tells people exactly what He thinks of them, even His own people . . .
“Set the trumpet to your lips! One like a vulture is over the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed my covenant and rebelled against my law. To me they cry, ‘My God, we — Israel — know you.’ (But) Israel has spurned the good; the enemy shall pursue him.” (Hosea 8:1–3)

Hosea later added: “They shall not remain in the land of the Lord, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean food in Assyria . . . . My God will reject them because they have not listened to him; they shall be wanderers among the nations . . . . They utter mere words; with empty oaths they make covenants; so judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.” (Hosea 9:3, 17; 10:4)

Then Hosea tells them what to do about the mess they are in; “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12) 

Out of this I get the clear message that not only God can speak His mind, but He allows His prophets to speak their minds, particularly against those who speak mere words and empty oaths. It is no surprise that the listeners back then didn’t like what they heard from God.

As for Job (probably one of the first Bible books written), when his ‘friends’ wrongly accused him, God not only let Job speak his mind against them, but He later proclaimed that Job was right, even when he rebuked these friends with sarcastic words like this: “I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all. Shall windy words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you. I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain.” (Job 16:1–5) I’m sure his ‘friends’ were not happy to hear this either!

The disciples of Christ also spoke their minds about the Lord. They got a mixed reaction: “And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1–4)

Later, the religious leaders who did not like what they said put them on the hot seat by asking, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, told them this: “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:7–12)

The religious leaders were angry at this, so they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18–20)

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them . . . . look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness . . . .” (Acts 4:23-24, 29-31, 34–35) 

Since day one, Christian people have suffered when speaking as God directs. This has not changed. Throughout history, people have resisted His Word and the Spirit-led words of His people. However, regardless of persecution, threats, and even being put in jail, His people are blessed for saying what He wants them to say. Why do we persist? Because we know God’s will is true, He will take care of us no matter what, and history will culminate in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. 

David’s heart

2 Samuel 19:1–43, 2 Peter 3:1–13, Psalm 145:1–21

Absalom plotted against his father and tried to overthrow his rule as king. Absalom was killed by Joab who found out that, “the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people also heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.” And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Then Joab came to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” (2 Samuel 19:1–7)

Joab was the commander of God’s army and you’d think he knew what he was talking about. However, I’m not convinced that David erred in mourning his son Absalom. He needed to consider his people and assure them of his continued leadership, but Joab’s advice sounds more like politicking than godly counsel. David must have thought so too. . . .

The people of Israel were upset and wondered why the king at not returned after fleeing from Absalom. King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king? You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’ And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’ ” And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.” (2 Samuel 19:10–14) Joab lost his position. Was it for killing the king’s son? Or was it for telling David he should not care so much about his son?

David’s heart toward his enemies comes out a few verses later as well. A man called Shimei had earlier cursed him, so Abishai the son of Zeruiah asked if Shimei should be put to death for this. David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” (2 Samuel 19:21–22)

David’s actions are like Jesus (also usually misunderstood) who said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven . . . .” (Matthew 5:44-45)

The NT reading adds something interesting about the value system of David as compared to Joab. Joab put much stock in the world and its kingdoms, but Peter says, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:11–13)

Did David have eternity in mind? Was he thinking that the kingdom belonged to him and to the Great King that would come after him, regardless of Joab’s worries that he should be pleasing the people? Or did his heart reflect the heart of God, even toward his enemies? Perhaps David’s heart was like the heart of God and he didn’t act foolishly. This is supported by his words: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” (Psalm 145:8–9)

If I had to choose, I’d rather be like David than be politically correct like Joab. Besides, and I repeat, it is better to err on the side of mercy!

Perils of people-pleasing

Politicians haven’t changed much over the centuries. After reading the accounts of Pilate trying to please his Roman counterparts, the Jews, and the demands of the crowd rather than do the right thing and free Jesus, I’m reminded of today’s demands on politicians. Voters, big business, and other political members have an agenda and expect their leader to meet their demands. It is no wonder that a few years in office a president or prime minister turns gray and gains far more years of wrinkles on his face than he would have otherwise.

At the end of Jesus’ ministry and after his arrest, Pilate examined the accusations and evidence brought against Him and thought Jesus was innocent of any crime. Pilate’s wife even had a dream and warned him not to touch this man. But Pilate’s political position was at stake. He based his decision on what would get him the most votes and retain his position.

King Herod did the same regarding John the Baptist. He feared John and although he didn’t understand this prophet, he knew John was “a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe” (Mark 6:20). However, he also wanted to impress the nobles, military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. He invited them to a banquet on his birthday, had his wife’s daughter dance for them, and then made a rash promise to her, offering up to “half of my kingdom.”

The girl asked her mother. The mother had been a target for John as she was actually the wife of Herod’s brother before Herod took her. John publicly said this was a sin, so she told the girl to ask for John’s head . . .

And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. (Mark 6:26–28)

Idolatry involves putting anything else before God and the will of God. Pilate and Herod were idolaters. Their own position was more important than even their own conscience, certainly more important than God’s laws of love and justice.

Our modern politicians struggle with idolatry too. They are subject to pressures that appeal to their desire to please people, win support, and look good in the polls. But before I become too carried away with finger pointing, how does their ‘disease’ affect me? Does fear of ‘what others think’ affect my words and actions?

One area where I am guilty is in sharing Christ with others as God says I must do. I can act in Christlike ways, but verbally telling others the good news of redemption through faith is not as easy. I’m often frozen by fear that they will not only reject my message, but shoot down the messenger. Is that any different from a politician who hedges over doing the right thing for fear of not being reelected?

Some will adopt the attitude, “I don’t care what anyone thinks” to correct this sin of people-pleasing, but I don’t think this is what God has in mind. I’m supposed to care about people and what they think, just not be anxious of what anyone thinks of me above what God thinks and expects of me. He loves me even when I make mistakes and refuse to open my mouth, but when I do those things, it reveals that I am not loving Him as I ought. Like Pilate and other politicians, I can make idols out of other people and put my own popularity above doing the right thing.

The sin of silence

In our land of free speech, speaking against our government is tolerated, even the norm. Unlike many countries, no one will be hauled in front of a magistrate or shot for declaring they would make a better leader than the one currently in that position. But in the first century, this was not so. Under Roman rule, Caesar was worshiped as a god and the people dare not speak against him. Because of this power invested in a person, the early Christians were severely persecuted. They dared to do what was forbidden.

And when they could not find them (Paul and his fellow evangelists), they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” (Acts 17:6–7)

Sometimes Christians today express that the church should be more like the “early church” as described in the New Testament. Those with this desire may be looking through rose-colored glasses. They see the godliness of those early Christians and the rapid growth in the body of Christ. But are they noticing the persecution that went along with those ideals?

Where I live, it is against the law to harm people for their faith. We are blessed by freedom to express it yet that is not the norm. Many of us are aware that our social responses and laws that forbid speaking against certain sins are threats that tend to produce silence rather than bold declarations. While few idolize our leaders like they did in the Roman Empire, many do tend to put “political correctness” on a pedestal and honor it above the command of God to share our faith.

When I read about the accusations against those early Christians, I think I would like to be among the number of people said to have “turned the world upside down” yet I know that this comes with a price. In some parts of the world, that price is written in blood, but here it is smaller. Christians can be ridiculed or dismissed and not heeded. We are free to dislike our leaders, even mock them, but can we dare say that the real king is Jesus Christ?

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Jesus, You are Lord, not just of my life and the lives of Your people, but You sovereignly rule the entire world. Those who dragged Christians before the Roman authorities hated You. People today are also against You and refuse to acknowledge your power, yet we are not to give in to their threats and keep our mouths shut. Forgive us for our timid silence. Grant us boldness – that we might exalt You and make Your name known.