7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3:7-14 KJV)
John’s Message to the People
John gave general warnings and exhortations to those who came for baptism (Luke 3:7-9). Matthew says he spoke these to the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-10), but Luke says he addressed the crowd. He gave the same message to all, whether elite or common.
The human race had become a brood of vipers—poisonous and offensive to God. Yet God’s patience allowed the race to continue despite its corruption. These vipers were warned to flee from the coming wrath. Numbers wouldn’t save them; only repentance would. Baptism showed they had taken the warning seriously and turned from sin. Ours does the same.
Those who profess repentance must live it: “Produce fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). A changed heart must result in a changed life. Religious profession or heritage offers no protection without true holiness. Claiming Abraham as their father was no excuse; God could raise children for Abraham from stones. Religious privilege means nothing if not matched by godliness. The more light and opportunity we have, the greater the danger if we ignore it. Now that the gospel is preached and the kingdom is near, judgment on the unrepentant will be more severe. Trees that bear no fruit will be cut down and burned. Those who do not honor God’s grace will face His justice.
John also gave specific instructions to those who sincerely asked what they should do—the people, tax collectors, and soldiers. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not ask, likely because they thought they already knew or were unwilling to change. But the people, aware of their guilt and ignorance, asked honestly: “What shall we do?” Those who are baptized must be taught, and those who baptize them are responsible, as they are able, to teach them (Matthew 28:19-20). General repentance must be shown by specific actions suited to one’s role and situation.
John answered each group accordingly. To the people, he said they must be charitable (Luke 3:11): those who have more than they need—like an extra coat or extra food—should give to those who have none. Perhaps he saw some with abundance while others were in rags. The gospel calls for mercy, not just sacrifice, and urges us to do all the good we can. What we have is entrusted to us by God, and we must use it as He directs.
To the tax collectors (Luke 3:13), he said, “Collect no more than what you are authorized.” They must not oppress the people or enrich themselves through dishonesty. He didn’t tell them to quit their jobs, because the role itself was lawful, but to be fair and honest in their duties. Public revenue should serve the public good, not private greed.
To the soldiers (Luke 3:14), he said, “Do not extort money or accuse people falsely—be content with your wages.” Some believe these were Roman soldiers, making this an early example of Gentiles accepting the gospel. Soldiers often seem far from religion, but these wanted to do right. John didn’t tell them to leave military service, but to turn from the sins common in that profession.
They were not to misuse their authority, intimidate people, shed blood unlawfully, or be cruel. They must not falsely accuse others to gain favor or bribes, nor mistreat fellow soldiers out of ambition or spite. They were also warned not to grumble about their pay. Discontent leads to injustice; those who are never satisfied often wrong others to get more. It is wisdom to be content with what one has.