Soldiers, War, and the New Testament
Part 1 | Part 2
Following is a summation of a number of questions from United States Armed Forces personnel in Iraq.
As a “born again” Christian serving in Iraq, how can I reconcile New Testament teaching with my assignment? I have studied much in the Old Testament regarding war and warfare, and I know God used and blessed those who fought for God’s righteous cause at that time. However, the New Testament doesn’t seem to offer much support, direction, or encouragement for soldiers. Can you help me with this dilemma, and remove some of the confusion?
For more information related to this topic, check out Bob Yandian’s teaching series
and/or book entitled One Nation Under God.
In Part 2 of this response, I will address some of the New Testament passages utilizing military imagery to teach lessons to believers. My main purpose for focusing on these examples is to highlight the positive elements the apostle Paul emphasized while studying the characteristics of successful soldiers or military campaigns. The passages that follow reveal admirable qualities evident in successful military service—principles which we can and should apply in our own personal lives.
Please realize my comments on these verses are not the primary teaching to be gained from the passages. Most were written by Paul as instruction and/or a challenge to young ministers. Yet, I do believe they indicate positive support for the purpose and credibility of military service.
New Testament writers, and especially the apostle Paul, used numerous military images to teach Christian lessons and to serve as examples/illustrations for believers. These passages are usually not explained to the recipients of the letters, indicating the people were familiar with the subject of the military, warfare, and soldiers. Following are some examples, in no specific order, but each teaches something to believers because it stands as an example of what is effective, good, or right. Most of the images of military service found in the New Testament are positive.
The following passage is one of the most direct teachings from the New Testament regarding God’s plan and purpose for human government.
Romans 13:1-7:
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2) So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3) For rulers are not [to be seen as] a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. 4) For government is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. [The] government is [to be] God's servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5) Therefore, you must submit [to its laws and ordinances], not only because of [the fear of] wrath, but also because of your conscience [as a believer]. 6) And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God's public servants, continually attending to these tasks. 7) Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A Winning Strategy:
1 Timothy 1:18:
This charge I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before about you, in order that you might war [strategize] a good [excellent] warfare by them…
Many of the encouragements God gives us in the Bible are good common sense. This is one of those. The soldier entering battle needed to be guided by good strategy. All of his preparation and training, his equipment and valor, could be rendered useless by poor planning. Timothy was facing opposition by false teachers and those who wanted to replace the truth of God’s Word with the philosophies of men. Paul told this young minister that he needed to remember the words God had spoken to him previously. These were specific words of advice that would serve like military intelligence. God wanted him to know these things before he was in the midst of a battle so when he did encounter his opponents, he would know what to do. By following these words of advice (prophecies), Timothy would not only win, but would be able to “strategize an excellent / noble war.”
In Part 1 of this response, we established that God has set “governments” in the earth to bring temporal peace and stability to this fallen world. The plans of evil men must be subdued—and military power is one means of doing so. Often, the very presence of these “enforcers” is enough to still rebellion and violence. However, there are times when action must be taken in order to remove the trouble-makers, and restore order to an oppressed society. As soldiers, you understand the importance of these words. Those who stand as enemies of civility have a strategy for anarchy and oppression. Only “good strategy” will allow you to overcome their evil. You need good information about the plans of the enemy, insight into their methods, and creative ways to defeat their schemes before they are employed. God is on the side of order. You can believe for wisdom to help overcome the strategies of the enemy. God can help you and those in positions of authority above you, to gain the “excellent strategy” to wage a winning campaign. Many of the prayers offered in support of our soldiers concern this very issue. The enemy is smart—we must be smarter. It is important to remember you are not waging war in the name of Jesus Christ or the Church. It is not a campaign to convert the enemy to Christianity. Yet, God is interested in order—and that is what you are waging war to establish. It is possible that the order established will open avenues to bring many to the Gospel—and we certainly pray for such.
It seems evident that the apostle Paul was quite impressed by the natural ability of the Roman army. This passage pays tribute to the excellent manner with which a Roman soldier was equipped. Tested on the battlefield in wars ranging from Northern Europe to Arabia, they were “dressed for combat.” Paul uses this equipping as a tool to teach believers about their ability to stand in battle against the forces of darkness. God’s people are engaged in a spiritual battle to live the victorious life God has purposed for us, but we can’t do it without Him. We have ability to stand in our relationship to Him. We are protected against the attacks of the enemy through the truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and hope that are ours through Jesus Christ. We are also equipped with the Word of God as the all-powerful, ever-ready weapon which will bring us victory.
Ephesians 6:11–17:
Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13) Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, [in order] that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14) Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness 15) and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. 16) Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…
The reason the Roman government equipped their armies in this manner was so they could be victorious in any battle. The only way for Rome to maintain peace was in their ability to overcome evil kingdoms, stop invasion from the outside, and put-down rebellion and anarchy from within. As soldiers, you are engaged in this same activity. This world will never be a peaceful place until the Lord returns to establish His Kingdom. There will be wars, oppressive kingdoms, and those who desire to overthrow society. Something must be done to maintain order—this is the role of government and its military arm. The “enforcers” of godly order must be prepared and equipped in the natural realm to stop those plans. Both Paul and Peter prayed for and honored the established government of Rome. They recognized the value of maintaining the civil order. They also realized when order was maintained in society, the freedom given to the Church to spread the Gospel was unhindered.
Although this may seem a minor point, I see in these two passages a great word of encouragement for all who are in military service.
Philippians 2:25:
…Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker, and fellow soldier
Philemon 1:2:
…and to Archippus our fellow soldier
The Scriptures use many images and terms to teach a lesson. This is one reason the Bible is such a great treasure of wisdom. Language, culture, knowledge, and philosophies all change—at times, very rapidly. But there are certain images that remain more or less constant. For instance, the farmer is not much different today than he was in Bible times—he still tills the ground, plants the seed, and harvests crops. I feel it is significant that God often relates spiritual truth to us in His Word through the imagery of soldiers. In these verses Paul bestows a title of honor upon his associates by the use of “fellow soldiers.” It was a title that would be recognized by the recipients and convey a message of respect, credibility, and selfless service. These were men Paul dearly loved. They had labored with him and were of the same heart and mind—serving Christ with their very lives. Paul honored them by calling them, “soldiers.” In borrowing this term from the world, he was selecting a word that carried a certain degree of value. There was nothing derogatory about this term—he would not address some of his dearest friends with a word that gendered disgust. It was an honor in Paul’s day to be called a soldier just as it is an honor today!
2 Timothy 2:3–4:
Wherefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4) No one who wars [entangles himself] with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.
This is one of my favorite images of the soldier used in the New Testament. The reason Paul used the imagery found in these verses is because there is much that can be learned from them in relation to ministry. I have often used these statements as challenges to those preparing for ministry. However, that is not my purpose here.
The main point here is that a “good soldier” (the Greek word actually carries more the idea of excellent than good) is one who gives himself to please the commanding officer—to carry out his duties fully and without distraction. He is willing to endure great hardship to accomplish the mission set before him. Because of this motivation, he does not “entangle himself in the affairs of life.” Let me explain that phrase.
Every Roman soldier was assigned the equipment necessary for his specific assignment including his weapons, armor, and uniform. Part of his uniform was a “cloak” or “tunic.” This garment served as a coat, blanket, and shelter. It could offer protection from heat or cold, rain or snow. However, when the soldier was advancing in battle—engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat—the cloak was cast aside. Why? Why would he lay aside the comfort of his cloak? The reason was because when in close combat with sword and shield, this very article of comfort could become a death trap. His weapons and body could become entangled in the cloak allowing the enemy to take advantage of his entanglement.
So, the lesson is, a “good soldier” must, by necessity, set aside the comforts of life when he is engaged in battle. There is no option. What is acceptable, even desirable, when he is not deployed to the frontlines of conflict can be deadly when he is facing his enemy. Soldiering is not easy and, too often, the families and civilians you serve have no awareness of the issues you face daily—of the sacrifices you make and the hardship of armed conflict. Yet, as “good soldiers” you willingly serve, choosing to take the battle to the enemy rather than wait for him to come to your home.
2 Timothy 4:7c:
…I have kept the faith.
The final image I want to address is this beautiful phrase found at the end of verse 7. The apostle Paul was giving a summation of his life of service to the Lord and the Church. I want to emphasize this last phrase as an encouragement you. Paul stated, “…I have kept the faith”. The words, “have kept,” mean to guard against loss or addition. When used in a military metaphor, it carries the idea of a soldier who has been assigned to his post. This soldier ultimately stood his guard and at the completion of his allotted time, he handed over the guard to the next soldier. During his post, “nothing got in, nothing got out.” He was vigilant, loyal, and trustworthy. He was not serving his own purpose or selfish desires. He was only being faithful to the assignment given to him. He kept the faith. As I consider your service, I see these qualities. Men and women around this globe are dedicated to maintaining a “temporal order” that is necessary so that our society may be able to live in peace and quiet. Military service and law enforcement establish a peace that subdues evil, rebellion, and anarchy. There are numerous and horrible destructive tactics the enemies of mankind would desire to unleash upon society. The overthrow of civil governments would allow untold misery and oppression. These threats to peace must not be allowed to advance. Military vigilance and strength stand as a great deterrence to this planned assault on humanity. Swift judgment of evil forces is necessary for the peace and freedom of our society. Your diligence and selfless service are truly appreciated.
I trust these words have been an encouragement to you. I realize your mission is not easy—far from it! But I firmly believe God does regard your service as honorable, worthy, and essential. There are not enough words of gratitude which we can express to fully thank you for the sacrifices you have made. However, we do pray for your safety, for your success, for the accomplishment of your mission, and for you to experience the peace that God alone can give through Jesus Christ.Geof W. Jackson,
Director of the Grace School of Ministry/Director of Pastoral Care
Copyright 2009 by Bob Yandian Ministries.
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