Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, "tribute" refers to a form of tax or payment rendered to governing authorities. The concept of tribute is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with the duty of believers to respect and support the institutions of governance established by God.Biblical Foundation The exhortation for all saints to pay tribute is primarily drawn from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans. In Romans 13:6-7 , Paul writes, "This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." Here, Paul emphasizes that paying taxes is not merely a civic duty but a spiritual obligation, as the governing authorities are considered servants of God. Old Testament Precedents The concept of tribute is not new to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were familiar with the practice of paying tribute to foreign powers. For instance, during the reign of King Solomon, the Israelites paid tribute to the king of Egypt (1 Kings 4:21). This practice was often seen as a sign of subjugation but also as a means of maintaining peace and order. Jesus and Tribute The teachings of Jesus also address the issue of tribute. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds in Matthew 22:21 , "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This statement underscores the dual responsibility of believers to fulfill their obligations to earthly authorities while maintaining their ultimate allegiance to God. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the payment of tribute is seen as an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. By paying tribute, believers recognize the legitimacy of governmental authority as instituted by God. This act of obedience is a testament to the Christian's commitment to living a life that honors God in all aspects, including civic responsibilities. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the exhortation to pay tribute remains relevant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of participating in the societal structures that God has ordained. Paying taxes and fulfilling civic duties are seen as expressions of faithfulness to God's order and a witness to the world of the believer's integrity and commitment to justice. In summary, the biblical exhortation for all saints to pay tribute is a call to honor God through obedience to lawful authorities, recognizing their role as God's servants for the good of society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 13:6,7For for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually on this very thing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive The Pilgrim's Progress Resources When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nebuchadnezzar? | GotQuestions.org How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org Tribute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tribute (Taxes) by the Arabians: To Jehoshaphat Tribute (Taxes) by the Arabians: To Solomon Tribute (Taxes): from Conquered Nations Tribute: All Saints Exhorted to Pay Tribute: Christ to Avoid Offense Wrought a Miracle to Pay for Himself Tribute: Exacted from all Conquered Nations Tribute: Kings of Israel: Forbidden to Levy Unnecessary or Oppressive Tribute: Kings of Israel: Often Oppressed the People With Tribute: Kings of Israel: Set officers Over Tribute: Often Exacted in Gold and Silver Tribute: Often Exacted in Labour Tribute: Often Exacted in Produce of Land Tribute: Priests and Levites Exempted From Tribute: Roman was Paid in Roman Coin Tribute: Roman was Resisted by the Galilaeans Under Judas of Galilee Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety Tribute: Roman: Collected by the Publicans Tribute: Roman: Decree of Augustus For Tribute: Roman: First Levied in Judea when Cyrenius Was Governor Tribute: Roman: Our Lord Falsely Accused of Forbidding to Pay Tribute: Roman: Persons Enroled For, in the Native Place of Their Tribe Tribute: Sometimes Exacted by Kings from Their own Subjects Tribute: The Jews Required to Pay Half a Shekel to God As Tribute: when Oppressive Frequently Led to Rebellion Related Terms Tribute-service (1 Occurrence) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) |
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