Read: Romans 13:1-7; Galatians 1:13-14
For because of this you also pay taxes. (Rom. 13:6)
I have a colleague who says that April 15th is more important to him than July 4th because taxes make possible a civil society. As we can see in today’s reading, the apostle Paul had a similar sentiment.
Most likely Paul was addressing the Jewish believers in Jesus living in Rome. They had previously been exiled from the city by the emperor and then a few years later allowed to return, and they had many grievances. Furthermore, religiously they came from a very zealous stream of the Jewish tradition that wanted to purify Israel from pagan influences (Num. 25:6-13). They argued that in order to maintain holiness, a follower of Jesus should have nothing to do with Rome, including not paying taxes. Paul understood the zealot tradition, for as a former Pharisee, he too was “zealous for the traditions of my ancestors” (Gal. 1:14 NRSV). Furthermore, Roman citizens in the first century were having heated debates about excessive taxation. Contrary to all this, Paul argued that failure to pay taxes communicated planned resistance and temptation to rebellion, which could bring disaster to the Christian community. More importantly government is instituted by God and brings order to society.
When you think about your own civic duty, including paying taxes, consider the good that comes from faithful participation and investment in your country, not as a begrudging duty, but as a blessing from God.
As you pray, pray that our political leaders use taxes wisely.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
