Taxes in The Bible

          The words “tax, taxed, and taxes” are used forty-six times in the Bible.  This would mean that being taxed is a Biblical thing and fine with God.  The Bible gives a few examples of why this is.

            Back in Jesus’ time, the Bible seems to point out that tax collectors were some of the most hated people living; it compares them with “sinners and prostitutes”.  For example, the following verses talk about them in a very negative way: Matthew 9:11 says, “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?", Matthew 21:32 says, “Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”, and Luke 5:30 which says, “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?".

The people most likely thought that they were just stealing they’re money which in many cases was true.  Tax collectors were told to take a certain amount from the people, although many of the tax collectors added money on to the amount that they were supposed to collect from the people.  The money that they added on to the tax amount was their pocket money, this is probably the reason they were hated and compared to sinners so often.

The Bible tells us to pay our taxes even when we do not think we should.  Romans 13:5-6 tell us to submit to authority, “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.”  We should submit in everything to authority, not just taxes, unless what they are telling is to do is unbiblical.  Finally Romans 13:7 tells us to pay taxes and give what is due to others, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”