We dealt with 4 texts (one from Deuteronomy, 2 from Luke's Gospel and one from Paul's Letter to the Romans Chapter 13.) From the Old Testament we learnt how important the Hebrew basis is to the understanding of the New Testament, and how socially progressive the Jewish laws were. The Jewish people are called to enjoy and celebrate the fruit of their labour, but to share one tenth with those who have nothing, namely the strangers, the poor, the orphans and the landless (Levites). So the Old Testament has much to teach us, and it was after all the Bible Jesus would know.
We learn that everything belongs to God, that we should honour and obey him. That shapes our life and our attitude to worldly rulers, so that if we read between the lines of the New Testament we may recognise it as subversive literature. As for taxes, the Lucan text is the most obvious, with its question “is it lawful to render taxes unto Caesar?”. The answer “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God's.” According to the Old Testament all belongs to God!
The Letter to the Romans is more difficult, but here, too, we can understand that the powers Paul is talking about are subject to God, and they serve him only if their purpose is justice and righteousness. We could have done with more time to discuss it all at greater depth, but it was a valuable exercise.
Ursula Windsor
Romans 13, 1-7
- Let every soul be subject upon the higher powers. For there is no power but of / under God: the powers that be are ordained of / under God.
- Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
- For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not to be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
- For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
- Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
- For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
- Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.