Many Americans are getting their yearly tax information together. Mid-April is the tax deadline in the United States. But should Christians pay taxes? People have varying opinions on this topic. But like all topics, the foundational truth can only come from God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

Jesus Christ was born when the Middle East was under Roman control. And Rome collected taxes (Luke 2:1). According to Roman law, residents had to return to the location of their family origin to pay taxes and be counted in the census. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to fulfill these obligations, and that is where Jesus was born.

Matthew 1:19 notes that Joseph was a just man. He was a law-abiding example for his stepson, Jesus.

As an adult, Jesus was asked a question about paying Roman taxes. Many people felt the taxes were too high. Christ’s answer is instructive for us today.

“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17). This question was posed by religious leaders who were trying to trick and discredit Jesus. They were hoping to accuse Him of antigovernment activity.

Notice how Jesus responded: “Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (verses 19-21).

Jesus taught that Christians should pay the required government taxes. But Jesus was careful to note that Christians must also pay their tithes and offerings to God.

Taxes and tithes can add up to a large sum. But God promises to bless those who faithfully tithe to Him (Malachi 3:10).

When Paul wrote to Titus, he also taught the principle of obeying the government of the land unless that caused disobedience to God’s laws: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1; see also Acts 5:28-29).

We can see the attitude that a Christian should have. It is the attitude of getting along peacefully as much as possible. It is the attitude of following law and government, making sure to always obey God.

Christ taught that Christians should pay taxes. But Christ also taught that Christians must tithe to God. As your Bible shows, the tithing system will eventually replace all of man’s taxes. God’s simple tithing system will ensure blessings for all people!

To learn more about God’s financial laws, please request our free booklet The Financial Law You Can’t Afford to Ignore.