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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In Matthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees asked Jesus a question: "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrit...
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Scott Broberg
Supporter
I agree with Michael's answer above about lawfully paying taxes but there is a nuance to the story where they challenge Jesus about whether they should "pay tribute to Caesar." (Matt. 22:17). The question is not about a "tax" as we think about taxes. Rather, it is about "tribute" and tribute carries with it the connotation of "kingship." In the ancient Near East is was customary for the reigning king (suzerain) to demand from their subjects (vassal) "tribute" each year in honor of the king's protection and provision. This is not the same as a local tax - such as a poll-tax for the transport of goods through a certain area like Capernaum - the entrance to Herod Antipas territory from Herod Philip's territory. So Matthew collected a "poll-tax." Poll taxes were paid for in Jewish minted coins. Jews in the first century did not use - if they could avoid it - Roman coins. Here is an interesting video from an Israeli archeologist about how they can tell which cities were Jewish vs pagan simply based on the coins they find: https://vimeo.com/341075981 The roman coin - a Denarius - that Jesus had them pull out has the image of Caesar on it and the Caesars claimed to be the "son of a god" and that they were divine themselves (not all Caesars pushed the Emperor cult). This was also the coin that you would pay "tribute" - a form of giving the king your allegiance. The religious Jews - particularly the Zealots - refused to acknowledge the caesar through tribute money. Even the fact that they had a Denarius on the Temple mount would have incensed the Zealots. So Jesus, in front of the crowd, gets one of the religious leaders to pull a coin with Caesar's image on it out of his pocket. Two excellent resources: Christ and the Caesars, by Ethelbert Stauffer. Stauffer was a numismatist (one who studies ancient coins). He has a chapter on paying tribute to Caesar. Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, by Lois Tverberg. Her website is https://engediresourcecenter.com/
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about paying taxes? The Pharisees asked Jesus a question: "Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do YOU put me to the test, hypocrites? 19 Show me the head tax coin.” They brought him a de·narʹi·us. 20 And he said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said: “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” Through using the coin, Jesus made a good point, but he then said, "So pay God's things to God." And interestingly, to further add the point, note Paul's words in Romans Chapter 13: 1-2: Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. 2 Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves. Then note verses 6-7 of Romans Chapter 13 - 6: For that is why YOU are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. 7 Render to all their dues, to him who [calls for] the tax, the tax; to him who [calls for] the tribute, the tribute; to him who [calls for] fear, such fear; to him who [calls for] honor, such honor. 8 Do not YOU people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another; for he that loves his fellowman has fulfilled [the] law. These rulers maintain public order, enforce the law, and at times even come to the defense of Jehovah’s people. So, we are commanded to render them the taxes, tributes, fear, and honor that they demand. (Rom. 13:7) However, those secular governments have authority only because God allows them to have it. So, in answer to the question: What does the Bible say about paying taxes? The answer based on the scriptures is YES.
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