Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 3:14

"And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse [any one] wrongfully; and be content with your wages." — Luke 3:14 (ASV)

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man,

Those rough Roman soldiers, as they had conquered the country, were very apt to treat the people as though they were their slaves; so John says to them, Do violence to no man.

Neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wage. "With your rations, your allowances," it means. They were very prone to contend for an increase in their pay and to drag civilians before the courts with false accusations unless the civilians bribed them to be let go. John does not mince matters with any of his listeners; he speaks with wonderful plainness and courage, and in this way proves himself to be a true herald of his Master.