How does Romans 13:7 connect with Jesus' teaching on paying taxes? Romans 13:7—The Command Stated “Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.” • Paul addresses four areas of obligation—taxes, revenue, respect, honor. • “Taxes” refers to regular assessments (property, income). • “Revenue” points to fees, tolls, customs—occasional payments. • “Respect” and “honor” lift the command from mere money to attitude. • The wording is imperative; it leaves no room for evasion. Jesus and Taxes—Render Unto Caesar “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) • Jesus responds to a trap question about paying the poll tax to Rome. • He upholds lawful payment while distinguishing ultimate allegiance to God. • The coin bearing Caesar’s image illustrates earthly authority; humanity bearing God’s image points to higher devotion. • Jesus’ words presuppose that paying taxes does not conflict with fidelity to God. Shared Principles Between Paul and Jesus 1. God-ordained Government • Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God.” • Jesus acknowledges Caesar’s delegated authority (John 19:11). 2. Moral Legitimacy of Taxes • Both passages assume taxes are rightful claims of civil rulers. 3. Dual Responsibility • Earthly dues (“what is Caesar’s”) and spiritual dues (“what is God’s”). • Paul links fiscal duty with attitudes of respect and honor, mirroring Jesus’ call to wholehearted devotion to God. 4. Witness to the World • Obedience in practical matters authenticates the gospel message (1 Peter 2:13-15). Broader New Testament Confirmation • 1 Peter 2:13-17—“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority….” • Titus 3:1—“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient….” • Luke 3:12-13—John the Baptist tells tax collectors to collect “no more than you are authorized,” affirming proper taxation, not avoidance. • Proverbs 24:21 (LXX influence on NT thought)—“Fear the LORD, my son, and the king….” What This Means for Us Today • Paying taxes is an act of obedience to God’s established order, not merely civic duty. • Honest fiscal conduct supports a clear conscience (Romans 13:5). • Respect and honor toward officials flow from recognizing God’s sovereign placement of rulers. • Rendering to God what is God’s safeguards against idolatry of the state; worship and ultimate loyalty remain God’s alone. • Practicing both realms—civil faithfulness and spiritual devotion—offers a compelling testimony of the gospel’s transforming power. |
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