The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government

by Matthew J. Trewhella

America has entered troubling times. The rule of law is crumbling. The massive expansion of Federal government power with its destructive laws and policies is of grave concern to many. But what can be done to quell the abuse of power by civil authority? Are unjust or immoral actions by the government simply to be accepted and their lawless commands obeyed? How do we know when the government has acted tyrannically? Which actions constitute proper and legitimate resistance? This book places in your hands a hopeful blueprint for freedom. Appealing to history and the Word of God, Pastor Matthew Trewhella answers these questions and shows how Americans can successfully resist the Federal government’s attempts to trample our Constitution, assault our liberty, and impugn the law of God. The doctrine of the lesser magistrates declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes an unjust/immoral law or decree, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both the right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lower authority may even actively resist the superior authority. Historically, this doctrine was practiced before the time of Christ and Christianity. It was Christian men, however, who formalized and embedded it into their political institutions throughout Western Civilization. The doctrine of the lesser magistrates is a historic tool that provides proven guidelines for proper and legitimate resistance to tyranny, often without causing any major upheaval in society. The doctrine teaches us how to successfully rein in lawless acts by government and restore justice in our nation. “Use this sword against my enemies, if I give righteous commands; but if I give unrighteous commands, use it against me.” -Roman Emperor Trajan, speaking to one of his subordinates. This is the first book published solely addressing the doctrine of the lesser magistrates in over 400 years. The book lays a strong foundation, covering all aspects and components of the doctrine. Matthew Trewhella is the pastor of Mercy Seat Christian Church. He is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College. He and his wife, Clara, have eleven children and nine grandchildren, and reside in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. His research and teaching on the lesser magistrate doctrine is reshaping the thinking of Americans. He was instrumental in publishing the Magdeburg Confession in 2012 - the first English translation of the document since it was written in 1550.

Genres: Politics, Theology, Christian, History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Cultural

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2013

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fine introduction to an essential doctrine. A lot of people need to get and read this book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates is a largely unknown doctrine, rooted deeply in the Bible, natural law, and history. Matthew Trewhella's short book on the doctrine is a great introduction and argument for this doctrine. There are twelve short chapters in the book with several short appendices elaborating on certain points at the end.

Trewhella defines the doctrine on page 2, "The lesser magistrate doctrine declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes unjust/immoral laws or decrees, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both a right and a duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lesser authorities have the right and obligation to actively resist the superior authority."

The doctrine is rooted in the fact that all authority is delegated by God, and the objective standard of his Word. All men are accountable to God's objective standard, and must not offer allegiance to the unlawful standards of men, because in doing so, they are then rejecting God's authority.

When the lesser magistrate "interposes" between the higher authority and those being oppressed, the lesser magistrate is standing in the gap "willingly placing oneself between the oppressor and his intended victim." p. 5

The doctrine itself is quite simple and easily explained and understood. The real heart of the matter is whether is is biblical, and what the church has believed concerning this doctrine through its history. Trewhella offers many examples of interposition.

Daniel, was a government official, and not only rejected the law that forbad worship of any God other than the king. He interposed on behalf of all, when he openly disobeyed the law and then bore the punishment of being thrown into the lion's den. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego did the same, when they refused to bow down to Nebuachdnezzar's image.

There are several acts of interposition in the book of Jeremiah, where he was persecuted by the rulers, nobles, and priests of Judah. Saul's soldiers interposed on behalf of Jonathan, when Saul threatened to kill him for having eaten honey. Saul's army refused to kill the priests of Nob, and Saul could only find Doeg the Edomite to carry out his murderous command.

In history, the doctrine has been followed by Christian and non-Christian alike. But it was the pastors of Magdeberg, Germany that formalized the doctrine when faced with an unlawful edict to abandon the Protestant faith in favor of Roman Catholicism.

Interposition and the doctrine of the lesser magistrate is the heritage of all Christians. If we do not understand and apply this doctrine in our own situtations, we are acting in disobedience to Christ forsaking his law and protecting the weak from tyranny, oppression, and lawlessness. This is a great book and is becoming increasingly important today.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

During this past year, we have seen how the government has imposed their control over not only our locality but in this country. It’s frightening to see how quickly we have turned over our jobs, families, health, and even our behavior to them. It is not their biblical realm to invade what we do in our churches, homes, and our freedoms. We as citizens need to know when to submit, and when to stand up.

One book that has made an impact on a biblical understanding of our role and responsibility as citizens is “The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates” by Matthew Trewhella. I have attached some quotes from the book to show you why it is compelling for us to read this book at such a time as this. I believe that a proper understanding of our rights and responsibilities is necessary as Christians so that we are prepared to properly challenge our officials when they go against God and His Word. Our elected officials are “lesser magistrates” and we must hold them accountable to do the right thing. The governor is not god. The president is not god. Our mayor is not god. Unfortunately, believers are quick to quote Romans 13 as their umbrella verse for total obedience. This book will help sort out some of the gray areas.

We have the opportunity to take the gospel truth out into the political and cultural realm by standing firm but we can only do that when we are convicted of our beliefs and stand on solid doctrinal ground. I think that every believer and citizen would profit from reading this book. It is a great primer on the bigger topic of God and civics.

"...a citizenry must remain vigilant, and understand both the purpose and limitations of the State. If a citizenry does not know the purpose and limitations of the State, then the civil government can misuse its power because the citizenry is unable to measure when something improper is occurring. Or there to be any indignation towards acts of tyranny by the State, one must be able to recognize that tyranny is taking place. "
― Matthew J. Trewhella, The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates

"When tyranny presents itself, almost never do all the lesser magistrates stand and resist, whether the oppression and tyranny comes from the higher magistrate or from other lesser magistrates. Even when some lesser the magistrates take a stand, usually the majority will go along with tyranny. This is how things always go when good becomes evil and evil becomes good in a nation. Most go along to get along. That's what sustained Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia. The people's hope is that lesser magistrates everywhere will understand their God-given right and duty to interpose - stand in the gap-when oppression and tyranny raises its ugly head. The people must then rally around those lesser magistrates who actually do stand."
― Matthew J. Trewhella, The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates, p. 50

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."
105 C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970) 292."
― Matthew J. Trewhella, The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates

"In the past, the pulpits in our nation instructed the people in the purpose, functions, and limitations of the State. Many pastors preached every year what became known as "election" and "artillery" sermons. These sermons were routinely preached during the first 100 years of nation. Clergymen understood and taught their congregations that God's Word addressed all matters of life, including the matters of civil government."
― Matthew J. Trewhella, The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, short, simple, clear primer on the doctrine of the lesser magistrates. If you have questions about how Christians can bring about social change in a hostile political environment, or whether passages such as Romans 13 ever permit a Christian to engage in civil disobedience, then this is the book for you. As well as Biblical content, it's chock full of great quotations from Calvin, Knox, Blackstone, the Magdeburg Confession and my boy John of Salisbury (woo!).

The kind of book you want to have a few copies on hand for giving away.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all: “A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government.”

Romans 13:1-7 has caused a great deal of confusion to modern Christian evangelicals. On the whole it tends to get interpreted as “we must obey the government [with an implied unlimited obedience].” Of course that doesn’t feel right, and we know of the passage that says “we must obey God rather than men.” But how do we reconcile these?

The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates helps us figure that out. Government has been instituted by God as His instrument to do His work. But when government ceases to do God’s work in carrying out just laws, there needs to be a way to hold back the tyranny. Will revolt and riot work, or is that what Christians are called to do? No.

Enter the lesser magistrate - also known as the government office holder who is inferior to the one giving the orders but has a legitimate role in government nonetheless. He has the ability and the duty to resist carrying out unjust laws or orders. And he has the ability and duty to interpose on behalf of the citizens against whom the tyrannical governing authority is trying to carry out his power.

Trewhella shows historical examples of how the application of this doctrine has worked and provides compelling Biblical exegesis of how this doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture.

I highly recommend reading this book! It’s short enough to be read in one sitting, but powerful enough to transform your understanding of how to properly resist tyranny - in God’s power and by God’s prescription.

Please get this book and read it. And then read it again! And then send it to your lesser magistrates -
specifically your local sheriffs, county judges, and State governors.

[Blake Imeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introductory / overview to the topic. Digs into enough of the roots of these ideas within the Reformation to give you a next step for some deeper concepts and events.

Going to be a jarring read for many.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with Trewhella's main thesis about the doctrines of the lesser magistrates and interposition. I also agree with other reviewers who say this book is extremely repetitious. Where's an editor when you need one?

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard of the "doctrine of the lesser magistrates" for some time. Various people have explained it to me. But this book is the best entry point for getting the broad contours of the doctrine from both Scripture and history. The author calls this a primer and that is exactly what it is. It is not in-depth or comprehensive. But it does get you thinking about all sorts of things. For example, he has an appendix on police officers as lesser magistrates. He has a chapter on what to do when lesser magistrates go rogue. His chapter on why the civil law should mirror God's law is excellent. He also clearly explains the doctrine and closes his the book with a nice summary. If you want to know what tyranny is and how it should be dealt with, this is a good place to begin. I am going to give it to my sons and may pass it out to family and friends as well. If more people understood this doctrine the tyranny in this country would be decreasing, not increasing.

[Erin Schanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Christians seeing our country deteriorating all around us, we often think "what can we do?" "where should we even begin?" Understanding the doctrine of the lesser magistrates could be a key piece in restoring righteous law to our land and improving our deteriorating culture. Trewhella lays the doctrine out for us here in 100 easy to read pages.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone Christian needs to read this book. It's not obedience to Romans 13 to obey a disobedient ruler. We need to be Christians and citizens, not subjects of capricious and tyrannical rulers. Contact the publisher for a bulk discount and pass these out.

[Forsell Gappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book re-introduces a way of thinking and acting that inspires people to turn back the tide of tyranny and godlessness. The author is a student of history.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent overview of the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates and recommended reading for all Christians, especially now in 2021 when the whole world is experiencing tyranny on an unprecedented scale!

The most notable recent use of this doctrine occurred in July of 2020 when Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church published his statement on the church's blog Christ, not Caesar, Is Head of the Church A Biblical Case for the Church’s Duty to Remain Open https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B200723

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for high school students and especially Christians. Trewhella gives a clear, easy to understand explanation of the right and duty of everyone in a position of authority to resist and disobey laws which are contrary to God's law. Our founding fathers understood this principle, as it is clearly displayed throughout scripture. Highly recommend this short book as an excellent introduction to the doctrine of the lesser magistrates.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.5 stars. Review to come.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew Trewhella's basic premise is that all authority is granted by God. This is the case whether the authority is parental, marital, religious or, as is the primary focus of this book, political. As such, all authority comes with inherent limitations and responsibilities. Government has a tendency to overreach its authority, and the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates argues that lower levels of power have an obligation to stand up to tyranny and protect the people from the encroachments and abuses of the higher magistrate. Just as a parent's authority over his child isn't limitless, so also a government's authority over its citizens has boundaries.

So what should happen when government crosses the line?

"The lesser magistrate doctrine declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes unjust/immoral laws or decrees, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both a right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lesser authorities even have the right and obligation to actively resist the superior authority."

When a lesser authority steps in and resists on behalf of the people, that is called interposition. Trewhella argues that this doctrine has been lost in modern times, but that it has played an essential role in the history of Western Civ. The doctrine was officially articulated and formalized in 1550, when a bunch of Lutheran pastors in Germany expressed philosophically and theologically principled resistance to Catholic abuses, but the practice existed for centuries long before that, including in ancient Rome. In American history, an example of interposition was the protection that citizens and local magistrates in the Dred Scott era provided to runaway slaves in direct defiance of the federal government. We live in a time where government abuse of power is becoming increasingly dangerous, argues Trewhella, and the lesser magistrates (states, sheriffs, etc) have a responsibility to defy illegal tyrannies and protect the people. In other words, when laws are unjust, they are invalid. Not only must they be ignored, but they must be actively resisted.

"Lesser magistrates today need to understand that state governments were not intended to be mere conduits for enacting Federal public policies. They are not to be mere implementation centers through which the Federal government dispenses its unjust policies, decisions, and laws."


"The standard is that if a law enacted by the State contravenes the law or Word of God, we are to obey God, not the State."

Trewhella is a conservative Christian, and so his most egregious examples of government tyranny involves such hot-button issues as the Supreme Court's decisions on abortion and homosexuality. He spills a lot of (digital) ink arguing for a Biblical definition of political authority and responsibility, and he repeatedly states that government is supposed to enforce God's law. But it was never clear to me where he draws the line between sins and crimes. Obviously there will be some overlap--murder is both a sin and a crime. But what about hatred? What about mean-spirited speech that is also protected by law? It's not as simple as saying "government must adhere to God's law." This muddiness was the biggest complaint I had with the book. Perhaps Trewhella does have a more robust, fleshed out understanding of the ways Biblical moral law informs civil government in practice, but he doesn't get into it here. I'm not sure how convincing anything in this book will be to anyone other than conservative Christians who already agree with him. The book also could have been about half as long; he just kept repeating the same points.

[Ed Groover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A short read packed with great biblical and historical information. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introductory book the church is in dire need of. A meditative reading of the author's definition of the teaching should suffice to grasp it's relevance.

"The lesser magistrate doctrine declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes unjust/immoral laws or decrees, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both a right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lesser authorities even have the right and obligation to actively resist the superior authority."

Though this brief book can be bit repetitive at times, the doctrine and it's implications are clearly outlined and vividly illustrated by historical examples.

[Roberto Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book! I highly recommend it.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read, and very easy to follow and grasp the concepts presented (which is good for someone who is not well versed politically, like myself). Heavily steeped in Christianity, and presented as a guideline for how America should be managed politically. The greater & lesser magistrates theory of managing toward the best outcome with the most integrity makes sense, and sounds GREAT. As I was reading, I kept thinking of “but what about this” and “what about that”. For example, this book assumes the individual’s foundation is based in Christianity… but the First Amendment protects the freedom of religion for all Americans, so it’s not going to be the guidepost for all that it appears the author wants it to be. Beyond the hot topics of abortion and sexual preference, the main issue I returned to as I was reading was ego, corruption and the power struggle that taints the integrity of our political landscape (probably ANY political landscape at any time in history). Humans, by nature, want more… more power, more money, more more more. .

Overall, I found this reading to be incredibly interesting. I see so many gaps in the process of applying this to everyday life in America, but it is excellent food for thought.

[Joost Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is really needed today, and the ignorance of this topic among leaders in whatever vocation is one major factor in why the culture is headed over the cliff at the speed of sound. The brakemen have abandoned their post.

But one niggly complaint: the appendices (whose content I fully agree with), read like rants. I think this saps the rhetorical power of the main body of the book.

[Joseph Knowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good on the substance, but could do with some reorganization.

[Joel Opificius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to the concept. Convincing.

[Taylor Sines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only gave it five stars because I couldn’t give it more. This is an excellent primer and category former of forgotten teachings of the Christian and local/national civic responsibility. The doctrine of lesser magistrates actually upholds our understanding of Romans 13 by reminding smaller units of authority that they have a responsibility to uphold justice as well even if it means standing against higher levels of authority.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good , short and important read. After listening, I purchased the hard copy so I can put it in my morning basket to read to my kids!

[Orion Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more practical doctrines for Christians to remember.

This is a doctrine I will never forget, and I will share this with everyone I can. So many have come to believe the lie that we are to submit to authorities unto death, the book sheds light on that lie in such compelling ways.

[Joshua Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer on the subject. A paradigm shifter for those who have not heard of the doctrine. Much needed.

[Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I support the lesser magistrates to rise up against unjust laws, I found his writing to be repetitive and lacking specifics. The way he talks about things, it would seem he would like us to live in a theocracy. Other than his fixation on abortion and homosexuality, he doesn't mention any specific laws that should be resisted. He makes passing references to divorce and taxation, and while I certainly want to keep more of my money, even Jesus said "Give to Caesar what is Caears." It's implied by the author that there are other things that should be resisted - you can make a moral case for just about anything by taking scripture out of context, but it seems he is more interested in behavior modification through law than actually turning the hearts of people to Christ. This seems obvious to me with the way he refers to people who are gay.

The author seems to think that by outlawing abortion and sodomy, there will be a reckoning of men's hearts back to the gospel. I do not find this to be a compelling argument for the non-christian. The data is in that if abortion were outlawed, there would probably be about 10% less abortions - certainly no small number - but outlawing has been proven to be the least effective means of reducing abortions; access to healthcare and childcare is number 1 on the list. He says twice that there would be "far less abortions" if it were outlawed and "far less acts of sodomy" if that were outlawed as well. I find this both hyper-speculative and misguided.

I find it interesting what is absent from the book as well. In our nation's history there were plenty of laws that oppressed one group of people over another such as the differential sentencing for crack cocaine vs. powdered cocaine in recent history and all the Jim Crow laws of the past, but there was not even a passing mention of anything like this at all, and therefore certainly no rebuke for Christians complicity in racism.

He said numerous times that the laws of nations for 1500 years were built on God's laws, but we built a whole economy on the backs of slaves by twisting scripture so that it dehumanized a people group. There were plenty of other Western nations that oppressed their people by either twisting the Bible or ignoring it all together.

Perhaps I find the biggest fault to be that he never mentions Jesus himself who didn't resist the government at all through resisting unjust laws, but went to the cross as an innocent. The writers of the epistles spend almost all of their time talking about how to live under the yoke of oppression rather than rising up against it - being sure to talk about how people will come to know Jesus through their love, service, and self-sacrifice....not their resistance. It's ironic that the gospel seems to thrive most when people are oppressed as opposed to being free.

More can certainly be said about all this, but lastly, he shows his true hand by his endorsement of the Oathkeeprs in the final pages of his book - a group we now know was primarily responsible for the Jan 6 insurrection at the capital. While we may all have our own opinions about former President Trump, not 1 single court - even with judges primarily appointed by him - supported the notion that this was a stolen election.

Overall, I wonder what the author is really after. What rights does he want that he currently doesn't enjoy? We're sojourners and we shouldn't expect things to be easy for us. Peter certainly spends most of his letter reminding us that suffering should be expected.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this may be the most disgusting book I’ve ever read.

I was on board with the subtitle: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government.

But then I realized that what the author means by when he says we shouldn’t blindly follow civil law it means we should continue to bully and harass gay people and anyone who tries to walk into a clinic that has abortion services.

I mean, in this short 100-page book, those are the 2 examples he goes back to over and over and over as examples of how the state is forcing tyranny on us.

Oh, he also makes brief references to how important it is to prevent people from having healthcare, allowing people to divorce without reason, and criminalizing adultery.

And tries to prove that God and Jesus are both pro-gun.

But other than that, yeah, he uses a bunch of examples of people fighting religious persecution to try to prove that he and Christians who have the same poorly-interpreted, narrow view of scripture are being persecuted by giving women the right to choose and giving gay people the right to marry.

So much of it is bad logic.

“There must be an objective standard to know if a law is right or wrong.”

But by this statement, he doesn’t mean The Bible is that objective standard. He means that it’s his interpretation of the Bible that is the objective standard. And his interpretation of the Bible means that we should stand against women’s choice, gays, healthcare, and gun control.

Because there isn’t anything in this book about what Jesus says are the most important laws: Love God, Love your Neighbor. Or the fact that he says that latter one over and over and over. But he’s quick to say we can immediately get rid of kindness if it means we can attack abortion providers and people who are gay that are trying to marry.

The author says is that “[God’s] law is an objective standard.” But what he means is “My interpretation of God’s law is an objective standard.”

The duty to resist unjust law is the product of Christian thought.

I like that. That’s his primary thesis. But what happens if we disagree on what God thinks is unjust?

You know someone’s logic can’t stand when they quote two (2!) words out of Romans 1 to prove that gay marriages are criminal and lawless. Especially since Paul isn’t referring to gay marriage - something that did not exist in the first century, and Paul, in addition to his noting of ‘unnatural sexual practices’ he says the same thing about greed, envy, strife, deceit, gossip, disobeying parents, and people who boast. Why do people ALWAYS quote Romans 1 to prove being gay is wrong, but never to prove any of those other things are wrong. Maybe since most of the people I know who use Romans 1 to prove God is anti-gay also heartily embrace all of those other things that are ‘bad’. Plus, he follows that whole discussion of things that are bad by saying: “You can’t judge people who do those things, because you do them, too!”

I’m sorry - I love the idea that there is a higher moral law than civil law.

But his comparing the idea of gay people getting civil rights to religious persecution? How is that not flawed?!?

I can’t get down with the idea that he thinks he’s being religiously persecuted (when, as a straight white man he has more rights than anyone), and the only way to fix that is to force everyone else to comply with his personal religion.

Gross.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read

This was convicting and encouraging. As a mom, I have often wondered how to raise free men and women as the rest of society rejoices in their bondage to sin and lasciviousness. This book was an excellent primer, deeply biblical, and I look forward to reading more of the resources in it. Isaiah 62:7 “And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

[Book Seller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates
by Matthew Trewhella

Why do we refuse to interpose? Because we love comfort and hate conflict.
Today most pulpits are silent about civil government and most just teach unlimited obedience.
1 Cor. 7:23 Do not become slaves of men.
Contents
01 Doctrine defined. 1
02 Interposition examples 2
03 All authority is delegated 3
04 The duty of the lesser magistrates 3
05 the objective standard for law 4
06 The rule of law and the lesser magistrates 4
07 Magdeburg and the lesser magistrates 5
08 John Knox, Holy Scripture, and the Lesser Magistrate 5
09 When lesser magistrates go rogue 7
10 The response of the typical higher magistrate 7
11 The role of the people 7
12 the lesser magistrates doctrine in our day 8


01 Doctrine defined.
The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates declares that when the superior or higher authority makes unjust/immoral laws or decrees, the lesser authority has both the right and the duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority.

Right now attacks on the law of God are increasing with legalized abortion and legalized sodomy.
02 Interposition examples
Emperor Caligula and governor Petronius and the Jews.

Exodus 1. The Pharoah ordered that all male babies under the age of two should be killed. But the Egyptian midwives refused to obey the Pharaoh and God rewarded them for their refusal to obey the Pharaoh.

1 Samuel 14 Saul made a foolish vow stating, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.”
His son, Jonathan, did not know about this vow and he ate some honey and then Saul proceeded to try to kill Jonathan. But all the Jews came to Jonathan’s defense and prevented Saul from killing his son.

In 1989, in the Romanian city of Timisoara, the secret police decided to arrest and kill a local pastor but the citizens learned about this plot and thousands of them surrounded the church preventing the secret police from carrying out their evil plan. Eventually, the Romanian leader Ceausescu and his wife were killed and the attempted assassination of the pastor was never carried out.

03 All authority is delegated
All authorities have the duty to obey God’s law rather than man’s law when the two are in conflict.

Tyrant=When the king makes a law that is contrary to God’s law, he becomes a tyrant.
Tyrany=the abuse of power entrusted by God to man
Statism=is when people mistakenly believe that the authority of a local government is absolute and limitless. But the state is not God.
04 The duty of the lesser magistrates
Nine reasons why the resistance of the lesser magistrates is wise
1. The lesser magistrates already possess lawful God-given authority.
2. The lesser magistrates have an established power base of popular support already in place.
3. The lesser magistrates usually have the law on their side so there is some history or heritage they can appeal to.
4. Lesser magistrates already have access to a public forum.
5. People recognize the authority of the lesser magistrates.
6. Lesser magistrates can provide relief, protection, and support for distressed individuals more readily than ordinary individuals.
7. Lesser magistrates can strike terror into the hearts of the higher magistrate oppressors.
8. Lesser magistrates have the best chance of resolution without bloodshed.
9. God declares a willingness to support the lesser magistrates in their capacity. Romans 13:1-4.

05 the objective standard for law
The tyrant state hates an objective standard to which it must be accountable, rather it flourishes in a subjective state environment. It wants to be accountable to no one.
06 The rule of law and the lesser magistrates
The rule of law is God’s law.

07 Magdeburg and the lesser magistrates
Martin Luther was rescued from death by the interposition of the lesser magistrate.

When Emperor Charles V imposed his Augsberg interim on May 5, 1548, the law was an attempt to force all Protestants back under the traditional Roman Catholic beliefs, practices, and rule. Only one city in all of Germany (Magdeburg) stood against this Interim. In that city, the lesser magistrates protected the people and defied political and religious tyranny. The magistrates of Magdeburg refused to submit to the tyranny of Emperor Charles V.
08 John Knox, Holy Scripture, and the Lesser Magistrate
Knox quotes Jer. 26:10-16. In this passage, the false priests and false prophets condemn Jeremiah to death. The princes of Judah (the lesser magistrates) hear of this and come to the defense of Jeremiah. They, the princes of Judah, come to the House of the Lord so that they can hear what the priests and prophets have to say. Jeremiah is then allowed to speak in his defense, wherein he tells the lesser magistrates the same thing that the false priests and prophets were accusing him of. The lesser magistrates then interpose on behalf of Jeremiah by adjudicating, “this man does not deserve to die.”

Daniel 3 – unjust law: King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to worship the statue he created. Then the lesser magistrates refused to submit.

Daniel 6 - King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone not to pray. Daniel openly defied the kings commandment by praying 3 times per day with his windows open.

2 Kings 11 Jehoiada (the priest), acts in conjunction with the captains of the guard (who are the lesser magistrates) to restore order in the Kingdom and to dispose of the evil tyrant, Queen Athaliah.

Jer 38:7-13
But Ebed-melech, an important court official, heard that Jeremiah was in the cistern. So Ebed-melech rushed to the king and said, “My lord the king, these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone.”
So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”
And they did so.
Jer 39:15-18 God rewarded Ebed-melech and punished everyone else.

09 When lesser magistrates go rogue
February 2004, Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco, disobeyed state law by granting marriage licenses to sodomites.
10 The response of the typical higher magistrate
They often become more oppressive and tyrannical.
The interposition of lesser magistrates abates the just judgment of God on the nations that have impugned His law. (Ezek 22:27-31)
11 The role of the people
The people have a duty to remonstrate (to present strong arguments against an act, measure, or any course of proceedings.)
The people have a duty to protest immoral laws.
The lesser magistrates will often not act unless and until they see the people plead their case.
This was the case with Pastor Tokes in Romania. After the people took action, many lesser magistrates joined in the revolution, refusing to obey Ceausescu’s orders.
12 the lesser magistrates doctrine in our day
Obama’s Affordable Care Act was challenged by 27 states. Six states have enacted legislation that defies it all together.
Indiana and Texas have defunded planned parenthood.
Eight states have passed firearm freedom act legislation. https://firearmsfreedomact.com/
Pp 67-69 example of lesser magistrates acting in Honduras.

Appendix
Ex 1:15-21 Pharaoh and midwives
P 81 when we act in defiance of tyranny, we benefit those in authority and we benefit the people.