Offering Incense to Caesar

Ancient Christians in the first century had a problem. In order to be a resident (not even a citizen) in good standing one had to acknowledge that the emperor was supreme. The procedure was to go before a magistrate and burn incense to the "genius" of Caesar. From the modern perspective it really does not seem to be a big deal. Caesar, after all, was the legitimate ruler. According to Rom 13, Caesar was the servant of God. What could be wrong in acknowledging that fact? After all, we must give to Caesar the things of Caesar. Isn't that what Jesus taught? 

But even though the financial benefits were significant, and the punishment for disobedience dire, Christians in the first century felt that they could not pledge allegiance to the representation of Caesar in front of the magistrate. The temptation to conform was intense. 

This issue is under discussion in Revelation 2:

 12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

Pergamum was one of the cities in Asia minor that had a temple dedicated to Caesar. While it is not certain that Antipas' death was related to this issue due to a lack of information, with a Ceasarian temple in Pergamum, it is logical. Refusal to acknowledge Caesar in this way was the primary cause of persecution in the first century.

We do have the details of one martyrdom over this issue:

Polycarp  8:2 And he was met by Herod the captain of police and his father Nicetes, who also removed him to their carriage and tried to prevail upon him, seating themselves by his side and saying, 'Why what harm is there in saying, Caesar is Lord, and offering incense', with more to this effect, 'and saving thyself?' But he at first gave them no answer. When however they persisted, he said, 'I am not going to do what ye counsel me.'

Looking at this from the modern perspective, why not offer the incense? Surely God does not want Polycarp to die over such a seemingly trivial thing? Polycarp did not look at it that way. 

Polycarp 9:2 When then he was brought before him, the proconsul enquired whether he were the man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial saying, 'Have respect to thine age,' and other things in accordance therewith, as it is their wont to say; 'Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.' Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, 'Away with the atheists.'

The reason Christians were considered atheists was they refused to acknowledge and pledge allegiance to the State. 

Polycarp 9:3 But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, 'Swear the oath, and I will release thee; revile the Christ,' Polycarp said, 'Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?'

So Polycarp was burned alive.  

Is this just an interesting historical incident, or is there something we can learn from it? Have we Christians today become so involved with the State that we are doing the modern equivalent of offering incense to Caesar? A delicate juggling act may be required to be in the world, yet not be of the world. While it is very difficult to know where one should draw the line, this is an issue that deserves a closer look.