Luke 3:15

"Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”"

Key Reflection

In Luke 3:15, soldiers questioned John the Baptist about their duties, seeking guidance on how to live in accordance with his message of repentance and righteousness. John's response, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages," challenges them to act justly and ethically, avoiding both violent coercion and unfair accusation. This advice reflects the broader ethical teachings of John and Jesus, emphasizing honesty and integrity even in roles that might tempt corruption, such as those of soldiers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 15. In expectation. Expecting the Messiah. Marg. suspense. That is, they were not certain whether John was not himself the Messiah. They confidently expected his appearing, and there minds were in suspense, or they were in a state of doubt whether he had not already come, and whether John was not the Messiah. Mused in their hearts of John. Thought of his character, his preaching, and his success, and anxiously inquired whether he did not do the things which were expected of the Messiah.

More from Luke 3

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