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Question 10

Origen and Lactantius explicitly choose God’s law over human law even if it brings “death and dishonor”; where do you feel the sharpest pressure to obey “written code” over the “law of God” (workplace demands, legal expectations, national loyalty, family pressure), and what would “giving ourselves up to the legislator, God” practically cost you this year?

Another way to ask: Origen and Lactantius say to obey God over human laws even if it brings shame or death. Where do you feel the strongest pull to follow rules over God (job, laws, country, family), and what might obeying God cost you this year?

Direct Answer The transcript’s main point is that when human commands contradict God’s commands, Christians must obey God even at great cost, including “death and dishonor.” It would practically cost whatever safety, reputation, or comfort is threatened when you refuse to violate Jesus’ commandments under pressure.

Support from Transcript:

Bercot says God’s kingdom “typically clashes with the kingdoms of this world.”
He notes early Christians, like “Peter and the apostles,” refused to break Jesus’ commandments “even when Caesar demanded it.”
Origen: if God’s law opposes the written law, we must “bid a long farewell to the written code…give ourselves up to the legislator, God.”
Origen adds the likely cost: “dangers, countless labors, and even death and dishonor.”
Lactantius: when men command what opposes God’s law and justice, “we should not be deterred by any threats or punishments…for we prefer the commandments of God.”

Discussion Follow-ups What specific “threats or punishments” most influence your choices—job loss, social rejection, family conflict? How might a church support believers who choose obedience when it becomes expensive?

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