Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 62
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Proverbs 29:2
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope
And in what kind of instances did they abuse this power? Certainly not in punishing true offenses, but as concern violations of fasts or festivals, or similar trifles. They sometimes punished adulteries, yet often abusing and defaming innocent and honorable people. Besides, since this is a very serious wrong, no one should be condemned without due process of law.
Pulling It Together
The story of Haman in the Old Testament book of Esther may not be as well known as it should be. Haman was that sort of dishonorable civil official who purchases position and favor (Esther 3:15). During the time of Queen Esther, he acted behind the scenes to rid the land of Jews. His obvious maneuvering of King Ahasuerus left the people bewildered. But national politics are not the only kind of affairs that exasperate good people. Church government, on both local and denominational levels, can make people groan under the gravity of unilateral rule.
Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord, during trying times. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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