Compare Romans 13:6 with Matthew 22:21 on the topic of taxes. Setting the Scene Romans 13 and Matthew 22 were written in cultures where Rome’s heavy taxation felt burdensome. Yet both Paul and Jesus speak clearly about a believer’s duty to pay what is required. Romans 13:6 — God’s Servants Collect Taxes “This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.” • “Why you pay”: paying taxes is presented as an act of obedience to God, not just to the state. • “Authorities are God’s servants”: civil officials—even imperfect ones—have a delegated role under God’s sovereignty. • “They devote themselves”: taxation funds legitimate governmental functions God allows for order (vv. 3–4). Matthew 22:21 — Jesus Affirms Civil Obligation “‘Caesar’s,’ they answered. So He told them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” • “Render” (give back): paying taxes is returning what already belongs to civil authority. • Balanced allegiance: earthly rulers receive lawful dues; God receives worship, tithes, and ultimate loyalty. Key Parallels and Differences Similarities • Both passages command payment of taxes without exception. • Both root the command in God’s overarching authority. Differences • Romans stresses the governmental role (“God’s servants”). • Matthew draws a line: taxes to Caesar, devotion to God—preventing idolatry of the state. Biblical Principles on Paying Taxes • Submission honors God (1 Peter 2:13-15). • Pay honestly and fully (Luke 3:12-13; Romans 13:7). • Giving to God remains distinct (Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:8-10). • Stewardship: believers model integrity before a watching world (Philippians 2:15). Living Out These Truths Today • File promptly, report income truthfully, resist under-the-table shortcuts. • View taxes as funding justice, infrastructure, and order—services Scripture links to governing authorities (Romans 13:4). • Continue generous giving to God’s work; paying the government never replaces tithes or offerings. • Engage lawfully if reforms are needed (Acts 25:11)—petition, vote, appeal, but do not evade. When Government Misuses Taxes • Scripture still calls for payment (Romans 13:1-6), yet it also allows respectful confrontation of injustice (Acts 16:37-39). • Ultimate hope rests not in perfect governance but in God’s righteous reign (Psalm 97:1-2). |
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