How should Christians interpret "pay everyone what you owe him" in modern society? Canonical Text “Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.” — Romans 13:7 Immediate Literary Context Romans 13:1-7 commands subjection to governing authorities because “there is no authority except from God” (v. 1). Verses 1-6 list reasons—divine appointment, maintenance of order, and conscience—culminating in v. 7’s practical directive. Verse 8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another,” extends the obligation from the material to the relational. Thus v. 7 sits between civic duty and agapē, showing that fiscal, social, and moral debts are inseparable for believers. Old Testament Foundations of the Obligation Principle • Leviticus 19:13—“Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.” • Deuteronomy 24:14-15—“Give him his wages on the same day.” • Psalm 37:21—“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous show mercy and give.” • Proverbs 3:27-28—“Do not withhold good… when it is within your power to act.” These texts reveal a divine pattern: economic justice and timely restitution reflect God’s character. Teaching of Jesus on Fiscal Integrity • Matthew 22:21—“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” The Lord’s words affirm lawful taxation while reminding disciples that ultimate allegiance belongs to God, not Caesar. Parallel Apostolic Instructions • 1 Peter 2:13-17—submit to every human authority, “honor the emperor.” • 1 Timothy 5:18—“The worker is worthy of his wages.” • Colossians 4:1—masters provide “what is right and fair.” Together with Romans 13, these passages present a unified apostolic ethic: believers honor both financial and social obligations. Theological Core: Justice, Stewardship, and Witness God reveals Himself as just (Deuteronomy 32:4). Humans, imago Dei, imitate divine justice by meeting obligations. Fiscal faithfulness is stewardship (Luke 12:42-44) and evangelistic witness (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)—“so that you will not depend on anyone.” Categories of Obligation in Romans 13:7 1. Taxes (phoros): direct tribute—income taxes, payroll deductions. 2. Revenue/Custom (telos): indirect dues—sales tax, tariffs, license fees. 3. Respect (phobos): reverential attitude—police, judges, civic officials. 4. Honor (timē): valuation expressed—military veterans, parents, pastors, elders (1 Timothy 5:17). Modern Applications • Paying taxes accurately, resisting illegal evasion while utilizing lawful deductions. • Remitting employee wages on schedule; fair tipping practices. • Settling consumer loans, student debt, rent, utilities, and online subscriptions. • Respecting intellectual property (no piracy), contractual agreements, and community fees. • Rendering honor: participating respectfully in civic ceremonies, writing representatives courteously, acknowledging educators and first responders. Conscientious Objection and Civil Disobedience If a state demands actions violating God’s moral law (Acts 5:29), believers must obey God while accepting temporal penalties. Historic examples: midwives in Exodus 1, Daniel 6, and conscientious objectors who refused Nazi salutes yet paid taxes. Ethics of Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion Avoidance: arranging affairs within law to minimize liability — permissible. Evasion: deliberate concealment — sinful theft (Exodus 20:15). Behavioral studies show that systematic evasion erodes societal trust, confirming Scripture’s wisdom. Pastoral Counsel for Debt Burdens • Budgeting (Proverbs 27:23), contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10), and incremental repayment plans. • Seek godly advice; the Church historically assisted indebted members (Acts 2:45). • Emphasize prayer; numerous testimonies (e.g., George Müller diaries) record providential supply when believers honor debts. Corporate and Governmental Accountability Christians in boardrooms must ensure their companies pay vendors promptly (Jeremiah 22:13). Public servants should administer taxes justly (Luke 3:12-13). Social Honor in Digital Culture Online discourse often strips respect. Romans 13:7 mandates civil speech toward leaders and dissenters alike (James 3:9-10). Social media platforms are modern Areopagi where believers showcase honorable engagement. Eschatological Motivation A final audit awaits: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Present faithfulness in small debts anticipates future commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration First-century tax receipts on Oxyrhynchus papyri display quotidian compliance among early believers. The Edict of Koptos (21 B.C.) lists tariffs almost identical to Paul’s terminology, affirming the historical backdrop of Romans 13. Catacomb inscriptions record prayers for imperial officials, demonstrating practical outworking of “respect” and “honor.” Summary Romans 13:7 commands a four-fold faithfulness—financial, civil, relational, and honorific. In modern society this entails scrupulous payment of taxes and debts, punctual compensation of labor, intellectual property integrity, and dignified treatment of every authority figure. Such obedience glorifies God, benefits neighbor, silences critics, and prepares believers for eternal reward. |
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