King James Bible
"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."
Roman soldiers approach John the Baptist seeking moral guidance, which is remarkable since they were often viewed as oppressors by the Jewish population. Their question mirrors that of the tax collectors and crowds before them, showing John's message reached even those serving the occupying power. John addresses two common military abuses: extortion through physical intimidation and false accusations to extract bribes. Rather than telling them to leave military service, he calls them to exercise their power justly within their existing roles. Soldiers often supplemented their pay through corruption and plunder, but John commands satisfaction with legitimate earnings. This radical contentment would distinguish them from their peers and demonstrate genuine repentance through economic integrity.