Wherefore
I will rather honor the king [than your gods], not, indeed,
worshiping him, but praying for him. But God, the living and true
God, I worship, knowing that the king is made by Him. You will say,
then, to me, "Why do you not worship the king?" Because he
is not made to be worshiped, but to be reverenced with lawful honor,
for he is not a god, but a man appointed by God, not to be worshiped,
but to judge justly. For in a kind of way his government is committed
to him by God: as He will not have those called kings whom He has
appointed under Himself; for "king" is his title, and it is
not lawful for another to use it; so neither is it lawful for any to
be worshiped but God only. Wherefore, O man, you are wholly in error.
Accordingly, honor the king, be subject to him, and pray for him with
loyal mind; for if you do this, you do the will of God. For the law
that is of God, says, "My son, fear thou the Lord and the king,
and be not disobedient to them; for suddenly they shall take
vengeance on their enemies."
– Saint
Theophilus of Antioch
