This verse comes in the middle of a section, from verse 10 to verse 14, where John explains what true repentance means, and the changes that need to be made in people’s lives. God’s word will always demand a response – this particular response started with: “What shall we do then?” (v10)

The first command is for the one that has more than enough – two coats, more than enough food, etc. – to give to those that have none (v11). When talking in this context, John is clearly showing that it is a sin to have more than enough without being willing to give. This shows than an attitude of wealth accumulation at any cost was prevalent in this time, just as it has been throughout the ages. God’s kingdom works in the opposite way - in fact the more you give, the more God can trust you to redistribute the even greater wealth that He desires to give you – but that is the subject of countless other books on God’s blessings.

Next the publicans (roman tax collectors) came to be baptized (v12), and were told to only ask for that which was appointed to them (v13). Clearly these tax collectors as a matter of course were accustomed to asking for a little bit extra when collecting taxes, most likely for personal gain rather than passing it on to their employers. They were to stop this practice in order to show their true repentance.

Lastly even Roman soldiers came, and were told “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” (v14). Clearly this had been a way of life for these soldiers – extorting money, including through violence and false accusations.

In all of these cases, the fruits of true repentance were shown as being keeping within the boundaries of our calling and position. This is true whether it is in our workplace or in our personal life. Repentance involves not just a one-time action, but a continuing lifestyle change, continually doing right and avoiding wrong.

It is worth noting that John did not limit who could or should be baptized to the Jews only. While there were no doubt some Roman soldiers and publicans that were Jews, there was no limitation of ‘Jewish soldiers’ or ‘Jewish publicans’ mentioned. Repentance, baptism and remission of sins was for all, and still is - see also Acts 2v38-39 {56} and Acts 10 {64} {65} {66}}.

It is also worth noting that John did not command the Jews among the Roman employees to find alternative employment. The phrase “Publicans and sinners” is used many times in the scriptures (see Matthew 9v10, 9v11, 11v19, Mark 2v15, 2v16, Luke 5v30, 7v34, 15v1). Clearly Jews employed by the Romans were seen by the religious authorities as being traitors to the Jewish cause. There was a complete lack of this idea in the teaching of John. This also applied to the life and teaching of Jesus – in fact, most of the scriptures noted in this paragraph were accusations by the Pharisees against Jesus.

I have already mentioned in section {6} my belief that John the Baptist had the gift of discerning people’s sins. I believe that this particular section of scripture shows this most clearly. Firstly the crowd asked “What shall we do then?” (v10); next the publicans asked “what shall we do?” (v12); and lastly we see the soldiers ask “And what shall we do?” (v14). The pattern seems to be an increasing level of dares if you like, each one trying in a way to catch John out. As the level of difficulty and revelation increased, it got to the point where “the people were in expectation” (v15). Getting to this level of expectation does not just come from a good sermon and life-changing advice, but the expectation came from having an encounter with God. Our God is a God of miracles, and the level of expectation was raised each time the sins of the crowd were revealed. The question in the people’s hearts and minds then became ‘is John the Christ or not’? (v15)

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