Early Christian Views on Two Kingdoms

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Direct teaching

...ron cannot combine with pottery.” Since an end will come, he says: “In the days of these kings, the God of heaven will raise up a kingdom that will never decay, and His kingdom will not be left to another people. It will break and scatter all kingdoms and will be exalted forever. As you saw that the stone was cut without hands from the mountain and broke the baked clay, iron, brass, silver, and gold, God has shown the king what will happen after these events; the dream is true, and the interpretation is reliable.”

Hippolytus, Exegetical Fragments Direct teaching

...nothing stable among men, except only that which is the appointed end of all things, the kingdom of God. For after the first kingdom of the Assyrians, which was denoted by the gold, there will be the second kingdom of the Persians, expressed by the silver. Then the third kingdom of the Macedonians, signified by the brass. And after it, the fourth kingdom of the Romans will follow, more powerful than those that went before it. For this reason also it was compared to iron. For it is said, ‘And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; as iron breaks and subdues all things, so shall it break and subdue all things.’ And after all these kingdoms that have been mentioned, the kingdom of God is represented by the stone that breaks the whole image. “And the prophet, in agreement with this, does not see the kingdom that comes at the end of all these things until he has described in order the four dominions mentioned under the four beasts. And I think that the visions shown both to the king and to the prophet were visions of these four kingdoms only, and of no others, because by these the nation of the Jews was held in bondage from the times of the prophet.”

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Direct teaching

...ll glory, serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not be taken away; and His kingdom will not be destroyed. My spirit was chilled within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those that stood by, and inquired the precise meaning of all these things. In answer he spoke to me and showed me the judgment of the matters: These great beasts are four kingdoms, which will perish from the earth and will not receive dominion forever, even forever and ever. Then I wanted to know exactly about the fourth beast, which destroyed all the others and was very terrible, its teeth of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, made waste, and stamped what was left with its feet: also about the ten horns on its head, and of the one which came up, by means of which three of the former fell. That horn had eyes, and a mouth speaking great things; and its countenance excelled the rest. I watched that horn waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of days came; and He gave judgment for the saints of the Most High. The time came, and the saints of the Most High possessed the kingdom. I was told about the fourth b

Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Direct teaching

...ed may come quickly; and He will come to the inheritance.” The prophet also speaks as follows: “Ten kingdoms shall rule upon the earth, and a little king shall rise up after them, who shall subdue three of the kings under one.” Similarly, Daniel speaks of this, “And I saw the fourth beast, wicked and powerful, and more savage than all earthly beasts, and how ten horns sprang from it, and from them a small budding horn that subdued three of the great horns under one.” You ought to understand this. I further ask of you, as one of you and loving you more than my own soul, to take heed now to yourselves, and not be like some, adding greatly to your sins and saying, “The covenant is theirs and ours.” But they ultimately lost it, even after Moses had received it. For the Scripture says, “And Moses was fasting on the mountain forty days and forty nights, and received the covenant from the Lord, stone tablets written with the finger of the Lord;” but by turning to idols, they lost it. For the Lord said to Moses: “Moses, go down quickly; for the people you brought out of Egypt have transgressed.” And Moses understood, and threw the two tablets from his hands; and their covenant was broke

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

...atness, and enlarged for so long by so many and such men, and in short strengthened by such great resources, should nevertheless someday fall. There is nothing built by human strength that cannot also be destroyed by human strength, since the works of mortal men are mortal. In the same way, other kingdoms in former times, though they had flourished for a long time, were nevertheless destroyed. For it is recorded that the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Assyrians held the government of the world. And after all of them were destroyed, the chief power also came to the Romans. And since they surpass all other kingdoms in greatness, they will fall with a proportionately greater crash, because buildings that are higher than others have more weight when they fall.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Direct teaching

Daniel also, anticipating the end of the last kingdom, namely the ten last kings, among whom the kingdom will be divided, and upon whom the son of perdition will come, states that ten horns will emerge from the beast, and another small horn will arise among them, and three of the former will be uprooted before it. He says: "And, look, eyes were in this horn like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things, and its appearance was more imposing than its companions. I was watching, and this horn made war against the saints and prevailed against them, until the Ancient of Days came and granted judgment to the saints of the most high God, and the time came, and the saints took possession of the kingdom." Then, further on, in the interpretation of the vision, it was said to him: "The fourth beast will be the fourth kingdom on earth, which will exceed all other kingdoms, and devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it into pieces. And its ten horns are ten kings who will arise; and after them, another will arise who will surpass all before him in evil deeds, and will overthrow three kings; and he will speak words against the most high God, and wear out the saints of

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Direct teaching

... time, He is described as “a stone cut out of the mountain without hands,” that smites all temporal kingdoms, scatters them, and fills the entire earth. Then, too, this same one is seen as the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, approaching the Ancient of Days, and receiving from Him all power, glory, and a kingdom. “His dominion,” it is said, “is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom shall not end.” John, the Lord’s disciple, while seeing the priestly and glorious coming of His kingdom, says in the Revelation: “I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And, being turned, I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the midst of the lampstands One like the Son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to His feet, and girded about the chest with a golden belt; His head and hair were white, as white as wool and snow, and His eyes were like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass, glowing in a furnace. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars; and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in His strength.” In these words, He presents part of the glory [He received] from His Father, a

Daniel 2:44 Direct teaching

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

Revelation 11:15 Direct teaching

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Daniel 7:27 Direct teaching

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 7:14 Direct teaching

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

3. And as in the kingdoms of earth we are in no wise constrained expressly to do reverence to those who form the royal family as well as to the sovereigns, but whatever honour belongs to them is found to be tacitly implied in the homage offered to the kings themselves;

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

...ayer to the gods of my country. But, as they did not respond, I called upon those among us known as Christians. Upon investigation, I found a great number and multitude of them and initially acted against them, which was quite inappropriate, as I later understood their power. They began the battle, not with weapons, armor, or bugles, as such preparations are detestable to them because of the God they carry in their conscience. Therefore, it appears that those we think are atheists have God as their guiding force entrenched in their conscience. Throwing themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me but for the entire army, that we might be saved from the current thirst and hunger. We had been without water for five days because there was none, being deep in Germany, in enemy territory. Simultaneously as they threw themselves on the ground and prayed to God (a God unknown to me), water poured from the sky, refreshingly cool upon us but as withering hail upon Rome's enemies. Immediately we acknowledged the presence of God following their prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible. Based on this, let us pardon such individuals who are Christians, lest they pray for and ac

Theophilus of Antioch, Connection to 1 Timothy 2:2 Supporting witness

Moreover, concerning subjection to authorities and powers, and prayer for them, the divine word gives us instructions, in order that "we may lead a quiet and peaceable life."

Theophilus of Antioch, To Autolycus Supporting witness

Accordingly, honour the king, be subject to him, and pray for him with loyal mind;

Didache, Connection to 1 Peter 2:13 Supporting witness

Be ye Subject to all royal power and dominion in things which are pleasing to God, as to the ministers of God, and the punishers of the ungodly.

Didache, Connection to 1 Timothy 2:2 Supporting witness

We further pray to Thee, O Lord, "for the king and all in authority,"

1 Timothy 2:2 Direct teaching

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

And therefore he who dedicates himself to God and Christ, desires not earthly, but heavenly kingdoms.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

Next in the prayer comes, "Your kingdom come." We ask that the kingdom of God may come to us, just as we also ask that His name may be sanctified in us. For when does God not reign? Or when does that begin in Him which has always existed and never stops existing? We pray that our kingdom may come, the kingdom promised to us by God, which was obtained by the blood and suffering of Christ. Then we who are first His subjects in the world may afterward reign with Christ when He reigns, as He Himself promises and says, "Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). However, dearest brothers, Christ Himself may also be understood as the kingdom of God. We desire Him to come day by day, and we long for His coming to be quickly shown to us. For since He Himself is the Resurrection, and since in Him we rise again, so also the kingdom of God may be understood to be Himself, since in Him we shall reign. But we do well in seeking the kingdom of God, that is, the heavenly kingdom, because there is also an earthly kingdom. But the one who has already renounced the world is also greater than its honors and its kingdom. And

Tertullian, De Fuga in Persecutione Direct teaching

...ielded to us the day of our redemption. Hell gave back the claim it had over us. Our covenant is in heaven. The everlasting gates were lifted up so that the King of Glory, the Lord of might, might enter in, after He had redeemed man from earth, yes, from hell, so that he might attain to heaven. What, then, are we to think of the man who strives against that glorious One, yes, who slights and defiles His goods, obtained at so great a ransom, namely, His most precious blood? It appears, then, that it is better to flee than to fall in value, if a man will not lay out for himself as much as he cost Christ. And the Lord indeed ransomed him from the angelic powers that rule the world, from the spirits of wickedness, from the darkness of this life, from eternal judgment, and from everlasting death. But you bargain for him with an informer, or a soldier, or some petty thief of a ruler, under, as they say, the folds of the tunic, as if he were stolen property, though Christ bought him openly before the whole world, yes, and set him free. Will you then value this free man at any price, and possess him at any price except the one, as we have said, that the Lord paid for him, namely, His ow

Tertullian, Scorpiace Supporting witness

...? Who is this except the one who threatens the fires to come, He without whose will not even one of two sparrows falls to the ground. That is, not even one of the two substances of man, flesh or spirit, because even the number of our hairs has been recorded before Him. "Do not fear, therefore." When He adds, "You are worth more than many sparrows," He promises that we will not fall to the ground in vain, that is, not without profit, if we choose to be killed by men rather than by God. "Whoever therefore will confess in me before men, in him I also will confess before my Father who is in heaven. And whoever will deny me before men, him I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Clear, as I think, are the words used in making this announcement, and also the way to explain both confession and denial, although the manner of expressing them is different. He who confesses that he is a Christian bears witness that he belongs to Christ. He who belongs to Christ must be in Christ. If he is in Christ, he certainly confesses in Christ when he confesses that he is a Christian. For he cannot be this without being in Christ. Besides, by confessing in Christ he also confesses Christ,

Tertullian, Apology Supporting witness

...heir statues, images, and temples. Yet these, I think, owe their safety rather to the guard kept by Caesar's soldiers. No, I think even the materials they are made from come from Caesar's mines, and there is not a temple that does not depend on Caesar's will. Yes, and many gods have felt Caesar's displeasure. It helps my argument if they also share in his favor, when he gives them some gift or privilege. How can those who are under Caesar's power in this way, who belong entirely to him, hold Caesar's protection in their hands? How can you imagine that they are able to give to Caesar what they more readily receive from him? This, then, is the reason we are accused of treason against the imperial majesty: that we do not place the emperors under their own possessions; that we do not offer a mere show of service on their behalf, because we do not believe their safety rests in hands of lead. But you are highly impious, because you look for it where it is not, and seek it from those who do not have it to give, while passing by Him who has it completely in His power. Besides this, you persecute those who know where to seek it, and who, because they know where to seek it, are also able

Tertullian, De Corona Supporting witness

and if of two masters, of God and Cæsar: but assuredly then not of Cæsar, when you owe yourself to God, as having higher claims, I should think, even in matters in which both have an interest.

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

In reference to the precept that we ought not to serve two masters, we have already shown what appears to us the principle contained in it, when we proved that no sedition or disloyalty could be charged against the followers of Jesus their Lord, who confess that they reject every other lord, and serve Him alone who is the Son and Word of God.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

and since we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, let us obey and give furtherance to the empire of our Redeemer by all the obedience of service, that nothing impure or profane may be brought into the temple of God, lost He should be offended, and forsake the temple which He inhabits.

Origen, Against Celsus Direct teaching

But we desire not only to understand the nature of that divine kingdom of which we are continually speaking and writing, but also ourselves to be of those who are under the rule of God alone, so that the kingdom of God may be ours.

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

but with regard to ourselves to state expressly to those who will exercise common reason, in terms applicable to all of us alike — We Christians are nothing else than worshippers of the Supreme King and Head, under our Master, Christ.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

For if we looked for a human kingdom, we should also deny our Christ, that we might not be slain;

Philippians 3:20 Direct teaching

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Tertullian, On Idolatry Direct teaching

...rsons set up for worship, but because of its practices, which belong to demons. The things that are Caesar's are to be given to Caesar. It is enough that He added, "and to God the things that are God's." What things, then, are Caesar's? Clearly, the things being discussed at that time, whether the poll tax should be paid to Caesar or not. So the Lord asked for the coin to be shown to Him, and asked whose image was on it. When He heard that it was Caesar's, He said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." That is, give to Caesar the image of Caesar, which is on the coin, and give to God the image of God, which is on man. So give money to Caesar, but give yourself to God. Otherwise, what will belong to God, if all things belong to Caesar? Then do you say, "The lamps before my doors, and the laurels on my posts, are an honor to God"? Of course they are there, not because they honor God, but because they honor the one who is treated in God's place by ceremonies of that kind, as far as can be seen, except for the religious act itself, which in secret belongs to demons. We should be certain of this, especially for those whose notice this

Tatian, The Diatessaron Direct teaching

... by any man. Matthew 22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful for us to pay the tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give it, or shall we not give it?" Mark 12:15a But Jesus knew their deceit and said to them, "Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites? Show me the tribute coin." Matthew 22:20 So they brought him a penny. Jesus said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." Matthew 22:21 He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Luke 20:26 And they could not make him slip in a single word before the people. They marveled at his answer and kept silent.

Origen, Commentary on Matthew Supporting witness

...came a fisher of men, and in that net was what is figuratively called a fish, so that the coin with Caesar's image might also be taken from it, and so that it might take its place among those things caught by men who have learned to become fishers of men. Therefore, let the one who has the things of Caesar give them to Caesar, so that afterward he may be able to give to God the things of God. But since Jesus, who was the image of the invisible God, Colossians 1:15, did not have the image of Caesar, for the prince of this age had nothing in Him, John 14:31, for this reason He takes from its own place, the sea, the image of Caesar, so that He may give it to the kings of the earth for Himself and His disciple. He did this so that those who received the half-shekel might not think that Jesus was their debtor, or the debtor of the kings of the earth. For He paid the debt without having taken it up, possessed it, acquired it, or ever made it His own possession, so that the image of Caesar might never be together with the image of the invisible God.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

...ve been taught by Him. For at that time, some approached Him and asked if one ought to pay taxes to Caesar. He replied, “Tell Me, whose image is on the coin?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then He responded, “Give therefore to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Thus, we worship God alone, but in other matters, we gladly serve you, acknowledging you as kings and rulers of men, and praying that with your kingly power, you may also be found to possess sound judgment. However, if you disregard our prayers and honest explanations, we shall not suffer any loss, since we believe (or rather, are convinced) that every person will suffer punishment in eternal fire according to the merit of their deeds and will give an account according to the power they have received from God, as Christ indicated when He said, “To whom God has given more, of them shall more be required.”

Luke 20:25 Direct teaching

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

Mark 12:16 Supporting witness

And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

1 Peter 2:13 Supporting witness

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:17 Supporting witness

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.