Luke 3:14
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John doesn't just tell the soldiers to not steal; he warns them against using their authority to intimidate or make false accusations to gain what isn't theirs. This highlights that genuine repentance means actively rejecting the abuses of power inherent in their profession, not just living a less corrupt version of it.
After John the Baptist's intense confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them "offspring of vipers" and demanding "fruits worthy of repentance," both the crowds and specific groups like tax collectors ask how they should live out this repentance. John then gives practical instructions to these soldiers, advising them against extortion and false accusations, and urging them to be satisfied with their pay.
You've heard John the Baptist's fiery call to repent. But what does that actually look like, especially for a soldier in a potentially rough profession?
John the Baptist doesn't just offer a general call to feel sorry for sins. He calls for tangible, life-altering actions. When soldiers ask, "What shall we do?" John's answer isn't about quitting their job, but about transforming how they do it.
Three Core Commands:
These instructions show that true repentance isn't just an internal feeling; it's an outward demonstration. It means actively stopping sinful behaviors and cultivating a spirit of contentment, even within the challenges of your calling.
Soldiers have a unique position of power. How can they wield that power justly, especially when tempted to abuse it?
John the Baptist's directives to the soldiers highlight the importance of integrity, particularly for those in positions of authority or force.
Key Principles:
Understand the original words
diaseisēte · Greek Verb
To use one's position or power to take money or property from others through violence, threats, or intimidation; it is condemned in Scripture as an abuse of authority and a violation of justice.
arkeisthe · Greek Verb
To be satisfied with one's current state, income, or material possessions; it denotes a godly character that trusts in God's provision rather than being driven by greed or worldly discontent.
The soldiers' question to John the Baptist reveals the complex social dynamics of Roman-occupied Judea. John's specific instructions to them highlight the common corruptions within the military at the time—extortion, false accusations, and discontent with pay—and redirects them toward ethical conduct within their existing roles.
c. 6 BC
Herod the Great's Death
The death of Herod the Great led to the division of his kingdom among his sons, creating political instability and unrest in Judea. Roman rule was solidified, increasing the presence and authority of Roman soldiers in the region.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a message of repentance and baptism in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. His ministry attracted crowds from all walks of life.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Baptism
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, an event that marks the public beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry and confirms John's message.
c. AD 29
Growing Roman Presence
The Roman Empire maintains a strong military presence in Judea to ensure stability and collect taxes. Soldiers were a common sight, enforcing Roman law and order.
John the Baptist's harsh rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees highlights the need for genuine repentance, which John the Baptist further elaborates on with the soldiers in Luke 3:14 by detailing specific actions that demonstrate such repentance.
Luke 3:10This passage addresses the general crowd's question about what to do for repentance by focusing on basic acts of charity and justice, providing a foundational understanding before John gives specific instructions to different professions like soldiers.
Luke 3:12The instructions given to the tax collectors (publicans) about not taking more than what is appointed directly parallels the soldiers' instructions to be content with their wages, both emphasizing honesty and integrity within their respective roles.
Romans 12:14While Luke 3:14 advises soldiers against harming others, Romans 12:14 offers a broader New Testament principle to 'bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse,' showing a consistent call to a higher ethical standard even in difficult circumstances.
1 Timothy 6:8John's command to soldiers to 'be content with your wages' echoes the New Testament principle found in 1 Timothy 6:8, 'if we have food, with it we shall be content,' promoting a spirit of contentment regardless of one's profession.
barnesLuke 3:14: "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
The soldiers likewise - It seems that "they," also came to his baptism. Whether these were Jews or Romans cannot be ascertained. It is not improbable that, as Judea was a Roman province, they were Jews or Jewish proselytes in the service of Herod Antipas or Philip, and so were really in the Roman service.…
calvinLuke 3:7-14: "Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
- And when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who warned you that ye might flee from the wrath to come? 8. Yield then fruits worthy of repentance. 9. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our fathers: for I say to you, that God is able to raise, f…
John doesn't just tell the soldiers to not steal; he warns them against using their authority to intimidate or make false accusations to gain what isn't theirs. This highlights that genuine repentance means actively rejecting the abuses of power inherent in their profession, not just living a less corrupt version of it.
After John the Baptist's intense confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them "offspring of vipers" and demanding "fruits worthy of repentance," both the crowds and specific groups like tax collectors ask how they should live out this repentance. John then gives practical instructions to these soldiers, advising them against extortion and false accusations, and urging them to be satisfied with their pay.
After John the Baptist's intense confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them "offspring of vipers" and demanding "fruits worthy of repentance," both the crowds and specific groups like tax collectors ask how they should live out this repentance. John then gives practical instructions to these soldiers, advising them against extortion and false accusations, and urging them to be satisfied with their pay.
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These commands are not about abandoning their profession, but about purifying it. John isn't saying it's wrong to be a soldier; he's saying that soldiers must conduct themselves with justice and truth, reflecting God's character even in a role that can easily lead to sin.
"Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”" — John doesn't just tell the soldiers to not steal; he warns them against using their authority to intimidate or make false accusations to gain what isn't theirs. This highlights that genuine repentanc…
