This actually happened!

The government (an extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government) decreed that the the church be left alone, and free to conduct its business without interference or intrusion.

AND…

O baby, get ready for this!

The government (an extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government) decreed that the expenses of the church should be paid in full and without delay by the government. Whatever is needed – let that be given to the church day by day without fail.

AND…

Buckle up for this next part!

The government (an extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government) decreed that if anyone tries to alter this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill.

And this extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government wrote, “May the God who has caused His name to dwell with the church – overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this decree! Let this decree be carried out with all diligence.”

And then, this extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government reiterated that the church should receive any and all funding required to cover all their expenses. Specifically saying, “Whatever seems good to the church leaders, and the church community the money is for them to spend according to the will of the only true and living God. And whatever else might be required – it shall be provided out of the governing authority’s treasury. #Let the church be provided for with all diligence!

And finally…

The government (an extremely powerful, and extremely non-Christian government) decreed that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of the church.

UNREAL!

*this really happened!