The word ‘pomp’ occurs only once in the New Testament and that comes in Acts 25.23 when it describes Agrippa ‘in full state’ coming to hear what Paul had to say about himself and his new faith. The word translated ‘pomp’ is the Greek word ‘fantasia’. The ‘full state’ would have included robes, uniforms and all the appurtenances of a court.
Agrippa was doing no more than was proper for a ruler. We have to go no further back than Shakespeare’s Othello to find the phrase ‘pomp and circumstance’. He cites military trappings, the plumed troop, the royal banner – indeed, glorious war – to back up his choice of words. Elgar later followed that lead. Governance requires respect. It cannot afford to be mocked. It must be recognised and honoured. In a feudal society that means horses, arms, armour and retinue. We still have those items today, nostalgic, fossilised maybe, but impressive none the less.
If we replace the word ‘pomp’ by ceremonial, we make this clearer. We also understand the effect of an alliance between Church and State. Ceremonial dress, titles and properties become similar. Where once barons and bishops shared power, the power-link is no more but they now share titles and rankings. Palaces and places in the House of Lords are markers. It has to be like this if the notion of a Christian country is to be demonstrated.
We may then find ourselves uncomfortable with ceremonial. Splendour, magnificence, show are not part of the Gospel as we understand it. But once the Christian faith has been adopted by secular authority, it has to have a reserved place in that panoply. The dress, the palaces, the honorific language are an intrinsic part of the expression of authority to which loyalty is due.
At this point we have to turn to one of John Newton’s hymns. ‘Glorious things of thee are spoken’ puts things into perspective. Zion is for Newton a place to glory in. Compared with it the ‘boasted pomp and show’ of the worldling is fading. Solid joys and lasting treasure are for Zion’s children.
Common speech comes to our rescue. Pomp is about appearances. To be preoccupied with pomp carries with it the danger of donning a pompous garment. When somebody says the emperor has no clothes, the game is up. Ceremonial is fragile. If we retain pomp, we have to be very careful how we handle it. The word ‘pompous’ always lurks round the corner. Self-deprecation and a sense of humour are in order.
PUBLIC SPECTACLE
We find an interesting angle on this matter when we turn to Colossians 2.15. It goes: ‘And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession.’ (TEV) The English word ‘pomp’ comes from a word meaning ‘procession’. At this point the boot is on the other foot.
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