182 The WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N.Y
which they would be if the officials of earthly governments were meant]." The word "ministers", as used in this text, is from the Greek leitourgos, and is the same word used to derive the English word "liturgy". Who, then, are God's leitourgos (ministers)? The word ministers is used to translate the word leitourgos in the following texts also, which texts prove beyond all doubt that they are God's anointed ministers ministering in and for the church. (Heb. 1:7; 8:],2,6; 9:21; 10:11; Acts 13:2; Rom. 15:16; Phil. 2:17, 25) Then adds the apostle: 'These ministers of Cod are attending upon this very thing.' Thereby he clearly means that the office of such ministers is to maintain order and authority in the church. His argument is, then, that there might be order and peace, and for conscience' sake the laws of the land should he obeyed where they do not conflict with God's law. 21 "Render therefore to all [whether inside the church or outside thereof] ... trihute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom." The words "tribute" and "custom" both refer to a commercial or financial obligation which the government may lay upon those who reside thereunder to meet the governmental expenses. Jesus and his disciples paid such tax. In reply to the question as to whether or not it was proper to pay taxes to the Roman government Jesus said: "Render therefore unto Cesar the things that are Cesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." Matt. 22:18-21. 22 But what does the apostle mean when he says in the same verse: "Fear to whom fear [is due]"? Does he mean that it is the will of God that the Christian is to stand in awe of or in fear of the appointed servants of the church? The clergy, elders and others of congregations have used this scripture as an authority for demanding that reverence and fear be given to them by the congregation. Such application of the text is wrong. Whom, then, do the members of the church properly fear? The following scriptures give answer. 23 "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Eph. 5:21) "Be respectful to all: love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King. Let household servants be subject with all fear to their masters; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse." (1 Pet. 2:17, 18, Diaglott) "But even if you suffer on account of righteousness, you are blessed. And fear not with their fear, nor be alarmed; but sanctify the anointed Lord in your hearts, and be always prepared with a defence for everyone demanding an account of the hope that is in you; but with meekness and fear." (1 Pet. 3:14, 15, Diaglott) "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."-Isa. 8:13. 24 The Christian is not to fear man. "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust ill
the Lord shall be safe." (Prov. 29:25) Those who have an abiding confidence in God do not fear what man may do unto them. "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the [Gentile] king's commandment. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the [Gentile] king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."-Heb. 11:23, 27. 25 It is entirely Scriptural, and therefore right, for Christians to show respect for one another in the church, because the Lord has set the members there. The apostle speaks of those in the church who follow a selfish course and "despise government", and whom the Lord will punish. Of such it is written: "Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (2 Pet. 2: 10) "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." -Jude 8. 26 Says the apostle: "Honour to whom honour [is due]." What does he mean by those words? The Scriptures make it clear as to whom the Christian should honor. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men shall honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (John 5: 22, 23) "Be respectful to all; love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King [Christ]." (1 Pet. 2:17, Diaglott) If an elder in the church labors according to the Word of truth for the interests of the kingdom, then he is entitled to double honor or respect. If he opposes the work of the Lord and the instruction concerning the Lord's work, then he is not entitled to any honor. (1 Tim. 5: 17) "Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever; but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."-1 Sam. 2: 30. 27 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the layw." (Verse 8) Here is laid down the rule that Christians owe a duty to one another to love one another, that is to say, to unselfishly safeguard the interests of one another in the church. They should diligently seek to do good one unto another. Herein is found the real reason why Christians should be obedient unto all laws that are right.
REASON FOR OBEYING
28 "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not hear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Verse 9) When the apostle hero
