Taxes are also mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the sayings of Jesus. In the Old Testament, the religious and civil institutions were one. By the time of Jesus, the Israelites were under Roman control, and thus required to pay taxes to the Roman government. Instead of avoiding taxes like many suspected he would, Jesus actually paid the taxes required of him. His famous saying on this matter is to “rend unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and rend unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
“And when they come to Capernaum, they that receive tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? … Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” – Matthew 17:24, 27
“Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Return to: Biblically-Based Finances
