Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

The “soldiers” were probably Jewish, assigned to internal affairs (cf. comment on 22:4). The very nature of their work gave them opportunity to commit the sins specified, for they could use threats of reprisal to extort money from the people. Here again John stresses ministering to the needs of others over against personal greed.