The Benefits Of Law

Christian preaching has often benefited from governmental law. The Roman Empire dominated the first-century world, and its written laws had a profound influence on daily life. These laws provided safe-guards, and the early Christians benefited from them. For example, Paul's appeal to Roman law led to his release from prison and saved him from being flogged. (Acts 16:37-39; 22:25, 29) Reference to the provision of the Roman legal system helped to calm an angry mob in Ephesus. (Acts 19:35-41) Once, Paul was rescued from violence in Jerusalem because he was a Roman citizen. (Acts 23:27) Later, Roman law allowed him to make a legal defense of his faith before Caesar. (Acts 25:11) Though several of the Caesars ruled as tyrants, the laws in the first century usually allowed for "the defending and legally establishing of the good news." -Philippians 1:7.

The same hold true in many lands today. Though there have been those who would 'frame trouble by decree,' written laws in most countries regard freedom of religion as a basic right. (Psalm 94:20) Recognizing that Jehovah's Witnesses pose no threat to the social order, many governments have granted us legal recognition. In the United States, where much of the Witnesses' printing has been done, existing laws have made it possible for the Watchtower magazine to be produce continuously for 120 years and to be read worldwide.

Next time: Periods Of Peace And Tolerance

Watchtower, 1999