It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Resistance to Tyranny by Charl van Wyk

Published November 9, 2023 | By campconstitution
“The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government” by Pastor Matthew J. Trewhella is a thought-provoking and controversial exploration of the relationship between citizens, governments, and the moral responsibility to resist tyranny.

Pastor Matt’s book, published in 2013, delves into historical and theological arguments to support the idea that lower-ranking government officials, or lesser magistrates, have a moral duty to oppose laws and policies imposed by higher authorities when they violate Biblical Law and principles, or infringe upon the rights of the people.

One of the strengths of this work lies in the author’s meticulous research and analysis of Biblical and historical examples where lesser magistrates stood up against unjust rulers, thereby supplying a compelling context for his argument.
By drawing on events recorded in Scripture, and various other time periods and cultures, the author builds a strong case for the doctrine he advocates. The Biblical and historical perspectives add depth and credibility to his thesis, making the book informative and enlightening for readers interested in theology, political philosophy and history.

Pastor Matt’s writing is passionate, and he presents his ideas in a clear and accessible manner. He skillfully combines historical anecdotes, legal analysis, and theological interpretations to support his central claim. The book is well-structured, making it easy for readers to follow his line of reasoning and understand the complexities of the doctrine of the lesser magistrates.

A South African Advocate (lawyer) explained how, after having distributed copies of this landmark book to his pastor friends, the friends attended a government meeting where bureaucrats tried, even with promises of tax aid for churches, to coerce the pastors to register their churches with the state.

I’m told pastors lifted this book as they berated the officials.
They quoted from Chapter 6, some of which includes, “When Jesus said “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” He was making clear that the civil government has limitations. The State is not the “be all and end all.” It cannot declare just anything to be its own. They cannot make up law as they go, nor change the immutable laws of God. The authority they have is delegated to them from God – it is not autonomously held.”

Praise the Lord for pastors who would not be bought, who understood the Biblical obligations of state officials, and were bold enough to proclaim the Truth!

Get your copy by clicking here: “The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates“
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Charl van Wyk – Missionary In Africa

 

Designed by Eric Conover.