ACC ~ Romans 13 v7

KEEPING FREE OF IDOLATRY. TERTULLIAN: So far as concerns the honors due to king or emperor, we have a clear ruling to be subject in all obedience, according to the apostle’s command, to magistrates and princes and those in authority, but within the limits of Christian discipline, i.e., so long as we keep ourselves free of idolatry. ON IDOLATRY 15.

TAXES TO WHOM TAXES ARE DUE. ORIGEN: The authorities demand taxes on our property and revenue from our business transactions. What can I say? Jesus Christ himself was obliged to pay taxes, not because he owed anything but so as not to cause scandal. If he who owed nothing to Caesar and who had every right to refuse to pay taxes nevertheless agreed to pay them, who are we to refuse to do so? COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

GIVING HONOR. AMBROSIASTER: Giving honor to the powers that be in this world may have the effect that, if they see the humility of Christ’s servants, they may praise rather than curse the gospel’s teaching. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

RESPECT TO WHOM RESPECT IS DUE. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul urges the people to give their rulers not only money but honor and fear as well. Fear in this context means very great honor, not the kind of fear which comes from a bad conscience. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 23.

REVENUE TO WHOM REVENUE IS DUE. PELAGIUS: Even alms can be called a due. Revenue is ours to give to those who are passing by or to those who are seated by the roadside while we pass by. … Fear as well as honor must be given to those who are your superiors but only honor to your peers. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: “Taxes” refers to property taxes; “revenue” refers to sales taxes. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

GENNADIUS OF CONSTANTINOPLE: “Taxes” and “revenue” are the same thing. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.