What n the world did ANYONE know about being "taxed" in the early days of the Bible? Was there ?

Question

>>> even such a word? If as the Bible says, "the poor will always be amongst us", why would HE put "poor" people on the earth in the first place..to be subjected to early deaths, disease lack of food and clearn water, etc.
I've been reading your Bible. It is most enlightening But some of what I read seems to have been written by people who had an agenda, and not a godly agenda.

Answer 1

I'm glad you are reading the Bible. All of His disciples were business men,and that included Matthew a tax collector. Zacheus was a rich tax collector who's faith in Jesus transformed him from a greedy and crooked man to a compassionate and fair man. The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by asking if the people should pay their taxes to Cesear when Rome occupied their land. All the scripture you read is God breathed, or inspired.

Answer 2

The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. God used all kinds of people to spread his "agenda" as you call it your right some of them were not so godly, but doesn't that just show how wonderful God is that He can take even the most ungodly person and use them for good. Keep on reading BIBLE stands for B-basic, I- instructions, B- before, L-leaving, E- earth. As for taxes, the Bible talks about tax collectors so I guess they knew something about taxes. When God created Adam and Eve we had the perfect world to live in, when Adam introduced sin into the world, by being disobedient, it created all kinds of bad things not just poor people but disease and a lot of other things.

Answer 3

Where do you think being taxed came from? When Joseph was with Mary( and she was expecting) he had to return to his homeland to be counted and taxed. The people who have adequately should do as was commanded by Jesus, to care for the sick and feed the poor. Unfortunately many wealthy people just build bigger and bigger houses and continue to accumulate more and more. I am sure this can be seen in any Religion. But none of this matter's because you can't take it with you. What was it the scriptures say.. something like it is harder for a rich man to enter into heaven than a camel through the eye of a needle? Sorry I got off the subject.

Answer 4

Im not sure if you meant "taxed" in the literal sense as in a charge levied upon persons or things by a government.

If thats the case then yes, there are mentions of such a thing in the bible.

Jesus himself on one occasions paid taxes himself (1) and also commented that taxes (and other ordinances deemed by governments that dont impose God's law) should be respected (2).

As for your last statement concerning the writings Id like to guide you to 2 Timothy 3:16,17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

ALL scripture, not just portions are inspired by God with and for the purposes mentioned.

I encourage you to consult with Jehovah's Witnesses to study the bible in order to grasp an unadulterated understanding of it as a whole.

Answer 5

Taxes were collected by governmental agencies in ancient times. Taxes were collected prior to the Roman empire. The Egypt ions collected taxes also and the Egyptian Civilization predates the Romans. There is plenty of historical evidence to support the idea that the ancients collected taxes.

Answer 6

Roman occupation, all citizens were taxed in the spring, once winter was over, that way you could get a pretty accurate tally of births and deaths. Most large civilizations got some kind of tribute from its citizens to pay for upkeep. It wasn't always money, could be property, crops, slaves, livestock, work etc.

Answer 7

Tax Collector is the third oldest profession...behind food gathering and prostitution.

As for poor people...amongst their purpose is to provide an opportunity for those better off to act god-like by giving of themselves and their own resource to help those less fortunate.

In the bible, even recipients of charity had to give 10% of what they received to those worse off than themselves.

Answer 8

On a slightly different note, some bible scholars have claimed there are no records of any 'tax' at the time of Christ's birth...but they had to get him to where he was 'supposed' to be born, so as to honor the prophecy of his being born in a certain place.....so that's what 'they' thought up!!!!! makes sense to me, and I'm not even an Atheist....but a 'fallen' catholic!!!!!!!!1

Answer 9

Matt. 17: 24-48
17:24 After 42 they arrived in Capernaum, 43 the collectors of the temple tax 44 came to Peter and said, “Your teacher pays the double drachma tax, doesn’t he?” 17:25 He said, “Yes.” When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, 45 “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tolls or taxes – from their sons 46 or from foreigners?” 17:26 After he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons 47 are free. 17:27 But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four drachma coin. 48 Take that and give it to them for me and you.”
(So, according to scripture, ALL FOREIGNERS should be paying double taxes in the U.S.)

Answer 10

Why and where do you think Joseph and Mary were going when Jesus came along. Joseph and Mary had a nice home when this occurred. Why leave it to make such a long journey?