Should a Christian just accept being mistreated, or can he stand up for his rights?
A Christian is not required to passively accept mistreatment. When no other recourse remains, he may stand up for his legal rights, as Paul did as a Roman citizen. Scripture forbids personal vengeance, however, so believers should live peaceably and leave vengeance to God, who will square matters in His time.
Les explains that Paul did not simply accept mistreatment when he was brought before the Roman magistrates in Philippi and beaten without a trial. The next morning, when the authorities wanted him to leave town, Paul refused, saying they had beaten him as a Roman citizen without trial and would have to go before their superiors. The officials were scared to death. Paul exerted his legal privilege, and Les sees nothing wrong with that. He clarifies that believers should not run to a lawyer at the drop of a hat, but when there is no other way to turn, they do not have to lay down and say, 'Walk on me, I'm a Christian.' Using this verse as a basis, he says there comes a time—hopefully never—when a believer should not just let others misuse him because he is a Christian. At the same time, Romans 12:18 says, 'If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.' Verse 19 says, 'Avenge not yourselves,' which goes against human nature's desire to get even. Scripture tells the believer not to try to get even because God will do it. It may take Him longer, but He will square the matter. Since God is in control, the believer can give Him time and leave vengeance to Him, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine.'