Luke 20 - Does the Bible Teach the Separation of Church and State?

Luke 20 - NIV

Luke 20 - Enduring Word Commentary

Key Verses:

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Commentary:

The Pharisees were trying everything and anything to trap Jesus. They felt their grip on him slipping away, so they started getting desperate. In this case they asked Jesus if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. The trap they set for Jesus was fairly obvious. If he said, "Do not pay the tax to Caesar", they would have accused him of being a lawbreaker. If he said, "Pay the tax to Caesar", they would have accused him of collaborating with the evil and oppressive Roman government. 

So did Jesus say?

Jesus asked them whose image was on the denarius. They said, "Caesar". Then Jesus said the famous words, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's"?  

The apostle Paul adds to Jesus' teaching in Romans 13 where he says, 

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 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. Romans 13:1-7

This introduces what we call the "two kingdoms" doctrine. If you understand the principles of it, you will be able to answer a lot of questions as to how Christians should relate to the government. There is the "kingdom on the left", which is the "kingdom of this world".  This kingdom is ruled by governing authorities who have the "power of the sword". Meaning they are in charge of punishing evildoers. Note this is what we might call "secular" or "governmental authority", yet is is under God. See Romans 13 above

The "kingdom on the right", also known as the "spiritual kingdom". It has authority preach the gospel and proclaim the forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name. The church is God's authoritative agent in the world, which is why the church is also called the "body of Christ". Just as God has appointed different positions of authority in the civil government, God has given authority in church to pastors, teachers, elders and deacons. Other names are used as well like "presbyters" "church council/boards"  

Throughout church history denominations have acted differently as they have interpreted these verses. Anabaptists, Quakers, and Seventh Day Adventist churches have all been known to resist governmental laws which they felt went against conscience or the bible. I.e War, taking oaths. A good modern example, which brought up a lot of debate were the COVID regulations, which affected public worship services. 

If you read what I described above taken from Jesus and Paul's teaching, I think one can conclude that the bible teaches the separation of church and state. Though we want to the whole world to become Christians, the bible never teaches the government is the one to do it. Where there is no separation of church and state we call this a "theocracy". Meaning God is the head of the state and head of the church, there is no distinction. Note Jesus never advocated this.  

One of the popular movements today is called, "Christian Nationalism". While I applaud those who want to bring Christian and biblical ideals into the public arena, I think we have to careful not to think that the governement is now going to do the work of the church. There are many examples of failed theocracies in Christian history. I.e. Puritan New England in 17th century, and Papal Government before the 1870's.  Calvin's Geneva had aspects of a theocracy, like state mandated church attendance, but historians don't believe it was a "theocracy" in the strict sense of the word. 

"However, the system did blend religious and civil authority, often resulting in strict enforcement of religious standards."  - Christianity Stack Exchange

Finally, we see a current example of a theocracy in Iran, where the Islamic religion and goverment are fused. I.e. The supreme cleric is the head of the state. Mullah's also have great influence. The other aspect is "Sharia Law" 

What is Sharia Law?

Sharia is the divine, religious law of Islam derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings/actions of Prophet Muhammad), acting as a comprehensive guide for personal conduct, worship, and social interactions. - Google AI

Application

What do you think a Christian's relationship with the government should be like?

Do you think a Christian should ever disobey the government? 

Prayer

Jesus, you are the head of the church and we are its members. You have given us all the authority to go and make disciples of all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded. Send out us to accomplish your mission in the power of the Holy Spirit! Amen.