Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
When asked what he would say to a president, Matt points to John the Baptist with Herod, Paul before Agrippa (“I wish you were exactly like me”), David Troyer asking Nixon “Are you a Christian?,” and Menno Simons bluntly confronting magistrates; what kind of witness to rulers is modeled here, and what fears or compromises would keep you from speaking that directly?
Another way to ask: What kind of message to rulers is shown by John the Baptist, Paul, David Troyer, and Menno Simons—bold, direct, or something else? What fears or trade-offs might stop you from speaking that plainly?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript models a respectful but confrontational witness: accepting access to rulers, affirming good when possible, and directly calling them to repentance and obedience to Jesus rather than offering political support.
- Matt says, “I don’t see why you wouldn’t take an invitation to talk to a king,” then asks, “what is a good witness to a king?”
- He contrasts political flattery with prophetic speech: John the Baptist didn’t say, “I’m all for you… keep you in office.”
- Paul before Agrippa: “I wish that you were exactly like me, except being in prison,” implying a call into Paul’s whole obedient life (he references Romans 12/13 love and conduct).
- David Troyer “badgered” Nixon’s office with questions like “Are you a Christian?”—forcing an accounting of goodness.
- Menno Simons challenges magistrates: “Can you change your hearts and humble yourselves before God… seek and follow Christ?” and expects Christians to point rulers to “true and serious repentance.”
- Matt admits his own fear/compromise: “I tend to believe I’d probably be a little too nice… would I have the gumption…? I don’t know,” though he hopes to “challenge where… something’s not right.”