Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. (1 Peter 2.13-17 )
‘Should we pay taxes to Caesar?’
There was a debate during the first century, amongst Jews and then in the Church, whether believers should pay taxes to Caesar. The Lord Jesus addressed this issue in Matt 22.15-22. Paul joins the discussion in Rom 13.1-7, and here Peter rounds off the debate. The three passages of scripture are, I think, consistent.
The kings of the earth (a phrase used in Matt 17.25) collected taxes from their subjects. Whilst we belong to another kingdom, of which we are sons (17.26), so as to avoid offence, we respect the laws under which we live here; and therefore pay taxes which become due. Rom 13.6 refers to taxes and revenue, indicating a range of taxes within the Roman empire.
The taxes question raises broader questions about Christians’ attitudes towards rulers and authorities. We are commanded to pray for those in authority (1 Tim 2.1) knowing that we will live in peace as a result. Paul testifies of this in Acts 24.2, when he said that the region had enjoyed a long period of peace under Felix’s rule.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3.13-17)
Peter wrote his letters whilst Nero was emperor of Rome. Persecution against Christians had become common-place and severe. Peter’s words above are therefore real, not theoretical! There were those who suffered for doing good; believers (good people) suffered because they did good. This is not new. It is in this context that there is hope (3.15). It is expected that our hope is made visible in our everyday lives in difficult circumstances.
Jeremiah the prophet declares that we ‘have hope’ (Lam 3.21) in the context of affliction and wandering, bitterness and gall (Lam 3.19). He shared this with his people. Indeed, the book of Lamentations includes sections where the prophet identifies with the suffering of the people and the city.
Hope shines more brightly in difficult situations.