Christianity and Earthly Laws

Many times laws are passed that people are uncomfortable with for one reason or another.  At what point should a Christian refuse to obey the law?  Matthew 17:24-26 addresses this issue.  “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

He saith, Yes.

And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers.

Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.  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.” 

Under Roman law Territories outside Rome were required to pay tribute to support the Roman military and government for their region.  Citizens of Rome were largely exempt from this tribute.   Most Jews resented paying the Roman taxes and many refused to pay.   The tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid taxes.  Peter wasn’t sure, but he answered yes, not wishing to get Jesus into trouble. 

When he came into the house, Jesus stopped him, asking whether he thought rulers would be more likely to collect taxes from their own supporters and family, or from people from other lands doing business in a country.  It was obvious to Peter that the primary taxes would be made against foreigners who benefitted from living in the country.  The king’s own children and people around him serve as his representatives and ambassadors, receiving the benefit of the taxes he collects. 

The king’s ambassadors and representatives are responsible for promoting good relations between the king’s government and the people around them, and obeying the laws or paying the taxes would greatly improve such relationships.  Ambassadors who refuse to obey the countries laws may have their diplomatic immunity revoked and be forced to leave the country.  Their sending country may revoke their diplomatic immunity and allow them to be prosecuted for their crimes in an effort to preserve a peaceful relationship between the countries and promote cooperation.

Christians are God’s children, and they are his representatives  to the world.  To promote peace between God and the people on earth, it is necessary Christians show respect to the people of the world, obeying the same laws they obey.  It is with this in mind that Paul wrote Romans 13:1-7. 

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of 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 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 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.”

While God is ultimate ruler of the universe, he has authorized worldly governments.  As his children, we are to respect the authority he has given them, obeying the laws they have made.  We have not been granted diplomatic immunity, and they have the authority to enforce those laws.  We should obey the laws because it is the right thing to do and God has commanded us obey, not because we fear the punishment.   If we refuse, we are defying God. 

The only time we have the right to disobey the law is when the law clearly violates God’s commands, in which case, as Acts 5:29 states, “…We ought to obey God rather than men.”   We do not have the right to disobey because it contradicts our convictions or offends our conscience.  Our convictions or our conscience are not to be our God.