Faith and Rights

HUMAN “rights” is not a new concept. Nearly every social structure has at least some rules to protect its members.

As a Roman commander arrested Paul and ordered that he be beaten, Paul used his Roman citizenship to protect his rights (Acts 22:25-29). He had done the same thing at Philippi after being illegally jailed (Acts 16:36-40). In Jerusalem, he insisted on due process rather than endure unjust mob retaliation. He set the record straight so that the authorities could intervene appropriately.

Rumor, anger, or distortion regarding the faith need to be met forthrightly, as Paul’s example shows. There’s no need to allow discrimination to hinder one’s practice of Christianity in society, particularly in one’s workplace. As believers, we need a clear understanding of the laws and rules and their application, and we need to ensure that they are applied fairly on behalf of everyone—including ourselves.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.