Luke 3:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”

NIV: Don't collect any more than you are required to,' he told them.

NASB: And he said to them, 'Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.'

CSB: He told them, "Don't collect any more than what you have been authorized."

NLT: He replied, 'Collect no more taxes than the government requires.'

KJV: And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

NKJV: And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

John the Baptist is giving advice to local tax collectors (Luke 3:12) who want to follow his command to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8). In Jesus' era, tax collectors were among the most hated people in any community. This was for three primary reasons. First, they willingly associated with unclean, sinful Gentiles. Second, they helped an oppressive empire control their own conquered people. Third, their position was ripe for corruption. Romans allowed them to add to collections to cover their own salary; many tax collectors became rich by squeezing excess funds from their countrymen.

The tax collectors coming to John the Baptist want to be right with God; they are asking how to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). John's advice speaks to the temptation often associated with their profession: overcharging. He instructs them to collect only what must be taken, and no more. In a later passage, Zacchaeus the tax collector will demonstrate repentance by restoring fraudulent wealth to those from whom it was taken (Luke 19:8).

Luke 3:7–22 is a relatively brief explanation of John the Baptist's ministry. John's preaching calls on people to repent and turn from their sins. At the same time, he is careful to declare that he is not Christ—John is only a herald of the Messiah. Luke's account quickly summarizes this message, John's conflict with Herod the Tetrarch, and the baptism of Jesus. Parallel accounts are found in Matthew 3, Mark 1:1–11, and John 1:19–34.

The early part of Luke's gospel shifts back and forth between the histories of Jesus and John the Baptist. Chapter 3 starts with historical and prophetic context about John. It then depicts some of John's interactions with local religious leaders. Luke gives only a brief description of Jesus' baptism. He also touches on John's criticism of Herod the Tetrarch, which would eventually result in John's execution (Matthew 14:10–12). The chapter ends with a genealogy of Christ.

Chapters 1 and 2 provided early history for both John the Baptist and Jesus. Chapter 3 establishes John's preaching ministry and its connection to Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with a genealogy which some believe runs through Mary's side of the family. Chapter 4 transitions from Jesus' baptism into His public ministry, by describing His fasting in the wilderness and temptation by Satan.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 5/7/2024 3:50:29 PM