Luke 3:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

John provides counsel to three distinct groups of individuals who approached him: the ordinary populace, tax collectors, and soldiers. He encourages the simple folk to practice charity, instructing that those who possess two garments should share with the less fortunate. He advises the tax collectors to refrain from extorting more than what is due, and he tells the soldiers not to commit theft, but rather to be satisfied with their lawful earnings. Observe how John guides the common people, who are inherently good, towards acts of kindness by urging them to assist others, while at the same time advising the tax collectors and soldiers to avoid wrongdoing. These groups were not yet ready to perform good deeds, and it was sufficient that they were instructed to abstain from evil.

In his account, St. Luke depicts three groups brought before John: the general populace, the tax collectors, and the soldiers. Just as a wise physician tailors specific treatments to various ailments, the Baptist offered practical guidance to each group regarding their respective lifestyles. He encouraged the people pursuing repentance to practice mutual compassion, advised the tax collectors to refrain from extortionate practices, and wisely urged the soldiers to avoid oppression and to be satisfied with their earnings.

In a call to repentance, St. John the Baptist addressed each individual based on their actions and provided a unified response. He instructed tax collectors to refrain from collecting more than what was required and advised soldiers to avoid slandering or extorting, encouraging them to be satisfied with their earnings and to neither demand extra nor steal. This guidance is pertinent to individuals in every line of work, emphasizing that charitable acts are expected from all. Those in various professions and at all stages of life must ensure that life's necessities are met, and everyone bears a responsibility towards this. Tax collectors, soldiers, farmers, townspeople, the wealthy, and the impoverished are all called to aid those in need.

Concerning the obligation of the tax, there was a regulation specifying both the amount and the type of what was required.

Some individuals found these guidelines to be at odds with their current status, leading them to contemplate abandoning their positions entirely. This group included tax collectors and soldiers. Tax collectors were expected by virtue of their role to not only withhold their surplus from those in need but also to extract the last remnants of their possessions to meet legal requirements. Soldiers, in turn, were duty-bound to inflict harm on their fellow beings. However, neither group sought John's counsel on whether, in light of the Messiah's coming and the adherence to these guidelines, they would need to relinquish their true identities. John, recognizing the difference between rightful duties and wrongful practices, addressed them regarding the former: "You need not renounce your title.

The evangelist Luke notes that many in the crowd were stirred by John's message and inquired about how they could rectify their previous wrongdoings and evade impending judgment. In reply, the Baptist emphasized acts of kindness and compassion toward the needy, highlighting the importance of charitable deeds. This call for repentance was similarly directed at tax collectors and soldiers who sought his guidance; however, he insisted that they each renounce the specific sins associated with their respective roles.

The prophet’s words not only instilled fear but also called for a higher standard of conduct in public life. When the listeners, moved by John’s stern message that “even the axe is at the root of the tree: every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire,” inquired with anxiety, “What should we do?” he responded by saying, “Whoever has two coats must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” By caring for the needy and the destitute, they would demonstrate the genuineness of their repentance. John’s compassion extended to all walks of life, and like Christ, he embraced all individuals without rejection.

The tax collectors for the Roman authorities, acting as exclusive buyers, had the ability to take advantage of the populace through various means, often demanding more than was warranted under different justifications. John instructs them to refrain from overcharging the people beyond what the government has set, emphasizing that this act of compassion would serve as proof of their repentance. While he does not denounce their profession nor suggest they abandon it, despite the disdain and anger felt by the Jews toward these individuals as representatives of an oppressive system, he does explicitly prohibit them from collecting excess. The populace is obligated to fulfill the tax obligations established by the government, but they should not be compelled to pay additional amounts that line the pockets of the tax collectors.

Do not seek anything beyond what has been ordained for you. Adhere strictly to what you have been instructed.

Perplexed by the austere admonitions of the forerunner, the crowd inquired about actions they could take to produce fruit that reflects true repentance and to enter the kingdom of the Messiah. John, as the herald of the divine Teacher of love and compassion, responded: "He who has two tunics must share with the one who has none, and he who has food must likewise do the same." This directive underscores the importance of genuine love for one's neighbor, which can be demonstrated in the simplest ways. Such a lifestyle appeared to contradict the roles of tax collectors, who not only failed to offer assistance to the needy but also levied taxes on them for the Roman authorities, and even more so for soldiers, who were sometimes required to endanger the lives of others.