Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:5-8
“You say, the temple revenues are every day falling off: how few now throw a contribution! In truth, we are neither able to give alms both to your human and your heavenly mendicants; nor do we think that we are required to give any but to those who ask for it. Let Jupiter then hold out his hand and get, for our compassion spends more in the streets than yours does in the temples. But your other taxes will acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Christians; for in the faithfulness which keeps us from fraud upon a brother, we make conscience of paying all their dues.”
Tertullian of Carthage (c. 155-240) in Apology XLII which goes by a longer title: Quintus Septimius Florens Tertulliani Apologeticus Adversus Gentes pro Christianis translated as The Apology of Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus for the Christians.
Christians were under attack in the days of Tertullian, so he wrote a defense (literally, an “apology”) for their collective behavior. While their generosity to Jupiter (the supreme God of the heavens in the ancient Mediterranean mindset) ceased, their respectful behavior, their faithfulness in paying taxes, and their support of those in the streets persisted faithfully.
This behavior follows the instructions of Paul to the Romans. God’s people in the epicenter of the empire were to submit to the authorities, pay their taxes, show respect, and pay their debts, especially the continuing debt of love and compassion. How fitting that Christians by the days of Tertullian would become known for caring for the needy in the streets!
Make it so again today Lord Jesus through the hands of faith Christians!