Romans 13:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 13:6
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Chapter Context
Romans 13 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, truth, fellowship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 13:6
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Analysis
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing—Dia touto gar kai phorous teleite· leitourgoi gar theou eisin eis auto touto proskarterountes (διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ φόρους τελεῖτε· λειτουργοὶ γὰρ θεοῦ εἰσιν εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο προσκαρτεροῦντες). Phorous (taxes/tribute) were resented under Roman occupation; Jewish zealots refused payment as capitulation. Paul commands payment: teleite (present tense—keep paying).
The reason: government officials are leitourgoi theou (λειτουργοὶ θεοῦ, ministers/servants of God). Leitourgos is cultic language—used for priests performing sacred service (Hebrews 8:2). Tax collectors are God's liturgists! Proskarterountes (προσκαρτερέω, devoting themselves) indicates devoted service. Paying taxes funds God-ordained government, enabling justice, order, and infrastructure. Refusing taxes is refusing to support God's appointed servants.
Historical Context
Tax resistance was volatile in first-century Judea. Judas the Galilean led a revolt in AD 6 protesting Roman taxation (Acts 5:37). Jesus Himself addressed this: 'Render unto Caesar' (Matthew 22:21). Paul echoes Jesus, establishing that Christians pay taxes as religious duty, not political coercion. This teaching countered both zealot rebellion and Gentile tax evasion, calling the church to model civic responsibility. Later Christians debated whether taxes funding pagan temples or unjust wars could be paid in good conscience.
Reflection
- How does calling tax collectors '<em>leitourgoi theou</em>' (ministers of God) reframe your attitude toward taxation and government funding?
- When government uses tax revenue for immoral purposes (funding abortion, unjust wars, idolatry), can Christians pay in good conscience?
- What is the difference between prudent tax planning/deductions and tax evasion or resistance motivated by political protest?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 18:14, Luke 23:2