Romans – The Play Part 1

The judge was more enigmatic than either of the defending attorneys. Who he was, no one was for sure, and no one was about to ask. It was enough that the eternal God had appointed this man to represent the Creator of heaven and earth in hearing this case. Nonetheless, Paul could not help thinking, “That man looks just exactly what I would imagine Moses to look like.” One thing was certain—in the hearts of everyone present, this judge would be fair, but he would be dispassionate.

“Your Honor,” initiated Paul, “if it pleases the court, I would like to have a moment to confer with Diogenes and Raspusen.” “So be it,” replied the judge. After a few moments of exchanged whispers among the three men, Paul stood to address the judge once more.

“Your Honor, all who are present here today wish to know the standards by which they are to be judged. In conferring with Diogenes and Raspusen just now concerning this matter, the Jews have requested that they be judged by the Jewish law—that is, they wish to be judged by the law handed down to them by their Lord, that very law which the Jews have dedicated themselves to obey. The Gentiles, in turn, have asked that they be judged by their good deeds and their evil deeds.” The judge responded in four succinct words that thundered throughout the arena and resonated with finality:

“So shall it be.”

“Your Honor, everyone in this great arena needs to be made aware of just what this means. May I explain to the gathered throng?” said Paul.

“You may.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. I will speak first to the Jews. If a Jew has been found to be completely faithful and having obeyed the law, then he will be found to be in right standing with God. He will then receive from God a reward for having obeyed that law.”

“If a Gentile has been found to have lived a totally good life—having done good deeds and accomplished good works—and if those good deeds outweigh his evil deeds, then Almighty God will judge that Gentile to have right standing in the eyes of God. The Gentiles, too, will receive a reward from God.” Paul paused.

“But if it has been found that any Jew has not obeyed the law in its entirety, he will be found to be not in right standing with God, and as a result, he will face wrath and anger, trouble and distress. As to the Gentiles, if any Gentile has done more evil deeds than he has done good deeds, then he will be found as one not right with God. That Gentile will likewise face wrath, anger, trouble, and distress. I point out to this court and all who are on trial that these are the very standards which the Jews themselves have selected as the measure that God will employ to…establish judgment.”

“The Gentiles have also decided by what standard they are to be judged. This is not God’s choice, but the Gentiles’ choice. This is their choice of how they wish God to judge them. Those on trial have selected the standard about which they are to be tried. And let me point out on this inevitable day when all men must stand before God, that it will be the Jew—the Jew who will be judged first—and then the Gentile.” The Jews, as one, nodded in agreement with Paul’s words.

“Rasbussin,” Paul cleared his throat, “the Jews claim that they have an approach that makes them right with God. Now the heathen claim they have a plan that makes them right with God. Are either correct? Are perhaps both? Are perhaps neither? This one thing is certain: right standing with God comes first to the Jew, then the Gentile. Yet, despite that fact, that inevitable principle, Your Honor, with your permission, I believe it would be proper to begin to speak first to the Gentiles.” He turned to Diogenes, the spokesman for the Gentiles.

“Diogenes, could you enlarge upon your view of how the Gentiles can be right with God?” Paul was looking at a regally dressed man who bore the marks of scholarship and intellect in all of its bearing. Yet anyone meeting Diogenes would probably think of him as a very understanding and gentle man. Diogenes stood. “We, the Gentiles, are good people. We, those who are called the nations, live good lives. We choose that. And we believe that it is God’s desire that we be judged by our deeds—good and evil. Deeds that are good. Deeds that are evil.”