Honoring Authority
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He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.—Luke 20:25

Graeme Smith

Jesus’ response to the question from the chief priests and scribes establishes that there is a clear distinction between a Christian’s loyalty to God and their support for the authorities of their resident country. Christians are not to deny “Caesar” what is due, but must not confuse the things due Caesar with the things that are rightfully God’s. At times there can be conflict between the two. Jesus attributed coinage and tribute to Caesar but he did not define the things which “are God’s.” Each of us must use scriptural wisdom to differentiate the two properly.

The question was: “Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?” (Luke 20:22). Modern translations render the Greek phoros (Strong’s #5411) as “tax.” Although Jesus did not directly answer the question, he implied that they were obliged to pay taxes to support the government.

One might argue that the scribes were not of his flock, and therefore when Jesus told them to pay taxes, it does not apply to Christians. However, Paul confirms Jesus’ answer as applicable for the Christian: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. … For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:1,2, 6,7).

Paul’s statement has implications beyond paying taxes; it reaches into the crux of issues confronting the true follower of Jesus today. His statement, “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” implies that God overrules the affairs of mankind, and that governments hold their sway because God has ordained (Strong’s #5021, tasso: to appoint, ordain, order) them. The implication is that God overrules human agencies to carry out his purposes. Consider the example of Nebuchadnezzar.

Here is how the long narrative in 2 Kings chapters 24 and 25 is concisely summarized: “Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar” (1 Chronicles 6:15). God used Nebuchadnezzar to carry out his purpose for Israel. God even called Nebuchadnezzar “my servant” (Jeremiah 27:6). Ezra confirms it: “But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon” (Ezra 5:12). Even though Nebuchadnezzar caused God’s people much grief when he took them to Babylon, he was fulfilling God’s purpose. This context is important to understand how the “powers that be” in Paul’s day were “ordained of God.”

One might contend that God’s direct involvement in the world’s affairs has changed now at this end of the age. Those Gentile powers which controlled Jerusalem were ordained by God to fulfil Israel’s time of punishment, and since that time has ended, God has abandoned the nations to their own fate. Certainly our present day continues to see the prophetic fulfilment of the regathering of the people of Israel and the gathering of nations against Israel: “For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. … Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head: and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah” (Joel 3:1,2,7,8). Joel spoke of the regathering of Jews and the events leading up to the establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948.

“Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks”(Jeremiah 16:16). God is currently using other nations as “hunters and fishers” to regather Israel. At the same time he is “gathering all nations” (rolling them together in Isaiah 34:4), which suggests that he is actively overruling the events of our day to accomplish his purpose.

Bearing Arms

A significant portion of public revenue today is consumed in financing warfare or spending for defense. These activities seem contrary to Paul’s instruction: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). If the government of the land is ordained by God, should a Christian bear arms or at least support the war effort?

God directed Israel to destroy other armies: “When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; and when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them” (Deuteronomy 7:1,2). This was necessary, however, for Israel to be established in the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Exodus 23:20-33). But Jesus commanded his followers not to bear arms to support him (John 18:36).

Each one confronted with this situation must consider that the first priority is to be a witness for God (Greek: martyria; one derivative of which is martyr), unto death if necessary (Revelation 2:10). Stephen was stoned as a direct result of his preaching the truth to the authorities of the synagogue (Acts 6:8-10; 7:51-60). Peter and Paul declared that they were prepared to die for their faith (2 Peter 1:14; Acts 21:13). While objecting to service in the armed forces might not lead to death, such a stand has led to imprisonment in the past and may lead to being despised or persecuted. Like Stephen, Peter, and Paul, each should seek such an opportunity as a witness for his faith.

Lawful Obedience

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Paul’s instruction to pray for the leaders of our land has a clear objective: “That we may live a quiet and peaceable life.”

Quietness and peace are touchstones of God’s righteous order: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. … And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:16,18). Paul wrote: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). We are told “to follow peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14). Any prayer for secular authorities should not be for victory over enemies nor for domination of earth’s affairs, but for wisdom to rule that subjects might live peaceful lives. Christians should be examples of compliance to the law (unless such laws conflict with direct scriptural commands).

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same” (Romans 13:3). Paul exhorted slaves to be loyal to their masters, but nevertheless if set free, to grasp that freedom: “Art thou called being a servant? Care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather” (1 Corinthians 7:21).

Although respect for secular powers is not always popular in society, the Christian must not lose sight of the time frame of God’s plan: “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). Every action and reaction of the Christian must be governed by the realization that God has appointed a day in which he will “judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained” (Acts 17:31). This is the same time referred to by Peter as “the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

Governments provide stability and peace, and peace enhances spiritual growth. The instruction to maintain exemplary conduct is continuous: there is no “time off.” Paul wrote: “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed” (2 Corinthians 6:3). One’s conduct should never give any cause for blame to the Lord’s truth. This is sobering, but not surprising when one realizes the call: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1). Paul explained: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. … For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:3,4,8). Such restrained conduct will likely bring criticism and even persecution: “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). Nevertheless, loose conduct in any form brings dishonor to Jesus and God, whether it is exceeding the speed limit, excess consumption of alcohol, late payment of bills, or frivolous activity. The world is quick to seize on any evidence that can be used to ridicule the Christian faith.

Court Service

If Christians are called upon to be witness in a legal proceeding or to serve in judgment as a juror, they must respect the laws of the land while conforming to their commitment to Christ. The provision of information to a law enforcement agency is much like paying one’s taxes: if the law demands input based on observed behavior, a Christian is obligated to provide it objectively. “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man” (Titus 3:1,2). A Christian should not allow personal feeling or the reputation of an accused to influence objectivity: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). The principle to be observed at all times is succinctly stated by Paul: “[Love] thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Jury service might seem to conflict with a Christian’s responsibility to not judge others: “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). The judgment Jesus spoke of is significantly different than making a decision based on facts presented in a court of law. Christians are not to make judgments regarding another’s devotion to God. Christians are to avoid hypocrisy by examining themselves and not others (2 Corinthians 13:5). Jesus and Paul admonish that if one must judge, then judge on evidence, not on hearsay: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Voting

To vote or not as part of earthly citizenship is not simply answered. If the law of the land requires one to vote, or at least to register to vote, a Christian does not cause harm to his spiritual standing by doing so, and he is in compliance with legal requirements. However if attendance is not compulsory, then non-attendance can be a witness that one wishes to touch lightly the things of this earth, and that “their conversation (Strong’s #4175: politeuma—citizenship) is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

At times there may be instances where an issue being considered on the ballot involves the sanction of an activity that is contrary to God’s laws for mankind. Such issues might include the legalization of prostitution or the marriage of, or parenting by, same sex couples. Both are directly contrary to God’s order (Leviticus 18:22; 19:29; 20:13; Romans 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9,18; Galatians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). A vote against such proposals may be considered as a vote for conscience’s sake.

Let Each Be Fully Persuaded

In all things it is necessary for Christians to be fully persuaded in their own minds. This requires growth in grace and knowledge. An over-riding principle to ensure that actions are in accord with the spirit of a sound mind (1 Timothy 1:7) is to continuously remember that our citizenship is not of this world: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:15,16).

God has ordained that man should experience the present distress (1 Corinthians 7:26), and therefore a Christian should remember the words of Jesus: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). While respecting the authorities God has ordained, let us not forget that our first allegiance is to God: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). May each of us continue to let our light shine to the glory of God.