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We know a few Christians who seem to be proud of themselves for the fact that they evade paying certain taxes. Like the act of rebellion against their government is something they wear with pride. I [Tyler] get it. I’m not exactly “pro government” either. But I also think it is important to understand what the Bible has to say about taxes. I think it’s important to know how God expects His people to live; not only as sojourners in this world, but as citizens in our land. If we break the law of our land (except for under specific circumstances), we are also dishonoring God. So let’s break down some of the walls and figure out what Scripture has to say on the topic of taxes!

 

What Does the Bible Say About Taxes?

Taxes are an unavoidable reality in life, and the Bible provides clear guidance on how believers should approach this responsibility. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor both our earthly obligations and our ultimate allegiance to God. Let’s explore key Biblical principles about taxes and how they shape our perspective on this often-difficult topic.

 

  1. Render to Caesar What Is Caesar’s (Matthew 22:17–21)
    • Text: Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:17–21, ESV) 
    • Explanation: When asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to the Roman government, Jesus delivered a timeless principle: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This response affirmed the legitimacy of fulfilling civic duties, such as paying taxes, while simultaneously prioritizing devotion to God. It serves as a reminder to keep both earthly and spiritual obligations in balance.
  2. Submit to Authorities (Romans 13:1–7)
    • Text: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Romans 13:1–7, ESV)  
    • Explanation: Paul’s teaching in Romans emphasizes the believer’s responsibility to respect and submit to governing authorities, as they are ultimately established by God. He explicitly mentions taxes, instructing Christians to pay what is owed—whether taxes, revenue, respect, or honor. As much as many listening do not like to hear this…it is good to know and understand that this passage reinforces that
  3. Integrity in Taxation (Luke 3:12–13)
    • Text: “Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” (Luke 3:12–13, ESV) 
    • Explanation: John the Baptist addressed tax collectors directly, urging them to collect only what was required and not to exploit others. This teaching highlights the importance of ethical practices, both in collecting and paying taxes. As Christians, integrity in financial dealings reflects our faith and our trust in God’s provision.
  4. Trust in God’s Provision (Matthew 17:24–27)
    • Text: When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (Matthew 17:24–27, ESV) 
    • Explanation: When questioned about the temple tax, Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish, which miraculously held a coin sufficient to pay the tax for both of them. This story illustrates that while believers should fulfill their tax obligations, they can also trust in God’s provision for their needs. Even in the face of financial pressures, God’s faithfulness enables us to meet our responsibilities.
  5. Respect Your Government (Romans 13:5–7; Acts 5:29)
    • Text: “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Romans 13:5–7, ESV)  
    • Explanation: Believers are called to obey governmental laws, including taxation, as long as those laws do not contradict God’s commands. It is important to note that during Jesus’ and Paul’s time, taxes supported the Roman Empire, a regime often marked by corruption and oppression. Despite this, the command to pay taxes was clear. This teaches us that our obedience to God includes respecting lawful authority, even when we disagree with how funds are used.
  6. Be a Good Citizen and a Responsible Steward (Proverbs 6:6–8; Philippians 3:20)
    • Text: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6–8, ESV)
    • Text: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, ESV) 
    • Explanation:Christians are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. Paying taxes is a part of responsible stewardship and good citizenship. While our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, fulfilling earthly responsibilities demonstrates our commitment to living faithfully in the here and now.

 

Finding Balance

The Bible encourages believers to balance fulfilling earthly obligations with maintaining spiritual priorities. While taxes are a part of living in an organized society, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. We can trust Him to provide for our needs as we honor Him through obedience in all areas of life, including paying our taxes.

In managing our finances, we are reminded of 1 Timothy 5:8: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Faithful stewardship involves meeting personal and family obligations, paying taxes, and trusting God to supply what we need, all while living with integrity.

Viewing taxes through the lens of Scripture aligns our attitudes and actions with God’s will, honoring Him in every aspect of life.

 

Key Principles to Remember

  1. God Ordains Government: Romans 13:1–7 reminds us that governments are established by God, even imperfect ones, and paying taxes is part of our submission to their authority.
  2. Pray and Seek Wisdom: Decisions about civil disobedience must be approached with prayer and counsel from mature believers (If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5, ESV)  
  3. Prepare for Consequences: Biblical examples of civil disobedience, like Daniel or Peter, demonstrate that faithfulness to God may involve suffering consequences, including fines or imprisonment.
  4. Act in Love and Integrity: Any decision to disobey should be motivated by love for God and neighbor, not personal gain or rebellion (Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV)

 

Final Thought about paying taxes

The decision to not pay taxes must be based on a clear conflict with God’s commands, not personal preference or political disagreement. Believers are called to honor God by living with integrity, trusting Him to provide (even for your taxes) and guide you and your decision-making processes even in difficult circumstances. As 1 Peter 2:13-17 reminds us:

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13–17, ESV) 

 

Stewardship Application

Taxes are an unavoidable part of life, and as Christians, how we respond to them reflects our faith, obedience, and trust in God. While it can be frustrating to see our hard-earned money go to government institutions that may not align with our values, the Bible calls us to approach this obligation with integrity and submission. Jesus’ teaching, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), reminds us that our earthly responsibilities, including paying taxes, are part of living in an ordered society. Paul’s words in Romans 13:1–7 reinforce this, urging believers to honor those in authority and pay what is owed.

Our ultimate allegiance, however, remains with the Lord. In extreme cases where tax laws conflict with God’s commands, we are called to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). These decisions should be made prayerfully, seeking wisdom and accepting any consequences with faith and humility. Taxes also offer an opportunity to demonstrate stewardship and trust. Proverbs 6:6–8 teaches that diligence and preparation are essential for managing resources, and Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven, where our ultimate treasures await. The next time you pay your taxes, consider it a chance to thank God for His provision in your life. As Ron Blue wisely said, “Taxes are a sign of God’s blessing and provision.” By honoring our obligations and trusting in God’s sovereignty, we reflect His character to the world.

Let us live as faithful citizens of both heaven and earth, striving to honor God in all that we do—including paying our taxes. As 1 Peter 2:15–17 exhorts us:

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:15–17, ESV)

By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and our hands diligently at work, we fulfill both our civic and spiritual duties with faithfulness and joy.

 

Next Steps

 

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