Luke 3:13

In this concise yet profound instruction, John the Baptist addresses a specific group among the crowds who came to him for baptism and guidance: the tax collectors, also known as publicans. These individuals were often reviled by their own people because they worked for the Roman occupation and frequently exploited their position for personal gain by demanding more than the legally required tax.

Context

Luke 3 describes John the Baptist's powerful ministry, characterized by a call to repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. As people from various walks of life approached him, asking, "What shall we do then?" (Luke 3:10), John offered specific, practical advice tailored to their occupations. Following his instruction to the general crowds to share their possessions (Luke 3:11), he turns his attention to the tax collectors in verse 12, who specifically asked, "Master, what shall we do?" This verse is John's direct, ethical directive to them.

Key Themes

• Integrity and Fairness: The core message is a demand for honest and just conduct, particularly in financial dealings. It directly counters the prevalent practice of corruption among tax collectors.
• Resisting Exploitation: John forbids the abuse of power and position for personal profit, highlighting the importance of not burdening others beyond what is lawful.
• Ethical Conduct in Vocation: This verse demonstrates that genuine repentance is not merely a spiritual sentiment but must translate into ethical behavior within one's daily work and responsibilities. John does not tell them to quit their job, but to perform it righteously.
• Justice: It underscores a foundational principle of justice, ensuring that transactions and collections are equitable and adhere to established rules, rather than being driven by greed.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Exact no more" translates the Greek verb prassō (πράσσω), which means "to practice, to do, to demand payment." In this context, it refers to the act of collecting or levying. The term "appointed" comes from the Greek diatassō (διατάσσω), meaning "to arrange, to ordain, to prescribe." This refers to the fixed, legal amount of tax that was due. John's instruction is clear: collect only the legally prescribed amount, nothing more. This distinction between the lawful and the exploitative is crucial.

Significance and Application

John the Baptist's counsel to the tax collectors was revolutionary. It challenged a system rife with corruption and offered a pathway to righteousness within a profession generally viewed as unethical. This teaching has profound implications for all believers today:

• Honesty in Business: It calls for integrity in all financial dealings, whether in business, public service, or personal transactions. It condemns any form of overcharging, hidden fees, or dishonest practices.
• Accountability in Authority: Those in positions of power or trust, whether in government, corporate leadership, or management, are called to exercise their authority fairly and without exploiting those under their charge.
• Repentance and Action: True repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior. For the tax collectors, it meant a radical shift in how they conducted their daily work. This principle is later exemplified by Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who pledged to give half his goods to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had defrauded, demonstrating a transformed heart.
• Living Righteously in the World: The verse reminds us that our faith is not to be confined to religious rituals but must permeate every aspect of our lives, including our professional conduct and interactions with society. It aligns with the broader biblical call for paying what is due and acting with honesty.