Charge; Chargeable
Sacred Duty and Divine Commission
One of the most important uses of "charge" in Scripture refers to a sacred responsibility entrusted by God. After the consecration of Aaron and his sons, God commanded them to keep "the charge of the Lord", that is, to faithfully carry out all the instructions given regarding the priesthood (Leviticus 8:35). The Levites were given "the charge of the tabernacle" (Numbers 1:53), with specific clans assigned particular responsibilities for transporting and maintaining the sanctuary's furnishings, curtains, and utensils (Numbers 3:25-37).
This concept of sacred charge established a principle that runs throughout Scripture: those entrusted with God's work bear a solemn obligation to carry it out faithfully. Paul echoed this when he committed a charge to Timothy, urging him to guard the good deposit of faith entrusted to him (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:20).
Commands and Solemn Instructions
The word "charge" frequently denotes a direct command or solemn instruction. Isaac "charged" Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman (Genesis 28:1, 6). Saul charged the people with an oath during battle (1 Samuel 14:27). Jesus "strictly charged" those He healed to tell no one (Matthew 9:30; Mark 5:43). Paul charged the Thessalonians by the Lord to have his letter read to all the brothers (1 Thessalonians 5:27).
These charges carried weight because they were issued by those in positions of authority, parents, kings, the Messiah, and apostles. To receive a charge was to be placed under a binding obligation, and failing to honor it had serious consequences.
Oversight and Custodial Responsibility
Another dimension of "charge" involves oversight and custody, being placed in a position of responsibility over people, places, or things. The gatekeeper had "charge of the gate" (2 Kings 7:17). Temple servants had "charge of the vessels of service" (1 Chronicles 9:28). The Ethiopian eunuch whom Philip met on the Gaza road had charge of the treasury of Queen Candace (Acts 8:27).
This usage carries implicit expectations of faithfulness and accountability. Those given charge over something were stewards, expected to manage what was entrusted to them with integrity. Jesus' parables of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the faithful steward (Luke 12:42-48) explore the spiritual implications of this kind of responsibility.
Financial Burden
To be "chargeable" in the biblical sense often meant to impose a financial burden on others. Nehemiah noted that previous governors had been "chargeable unto the people", that is, they had imposed heavy taxes and expenses on those they governed (Nehemiah 5:15). Paul took pride in offering the gospel "without charge," choosing to work with his own hands rather than burden the churches he served (1 Corinthians 9:18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
This aspect of "charge" reveals an ethic of servant leadership that resists exploiting one's position for personal gain. Both Nehemiah and Paul modeled a willingness to bear costs personally rather than burden those they served.
Legal Accusation and the Question of Guilt
Perhaps the most theologically profound use of "charge" relates to legal accusation. Stephen prayed as he was being stoned, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them", literally, do not lay this charge to their account (Acts 7:60). When Paul was examined, nothing worthy of death or imprisonment was "laid to his charge" (Acts 23:29).
The climactic statement comes in Romans 8:33: "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." Here Paul declares that for those who belong to Christ, no accusation can stand, because God Himself has declared them righteous. This is the heart of the gospel: the ultimate charge against humanity, guilt before a holy God, has been answered by Christ's atoning work.
Biblical Context
The concept of charge appears across the entire biblical canon. In the Pentateuch, it describes the sacred duties of priests and Levites (Leviticus 8:35; Numbers 1:53; 3:25). In the historical books, it denotes commands and custodial responsibilities (1 Samuel 14:27; 2 Kings 7:17). In the Gospels, Jesus issues strict charges (Matthew 9:30). In the epistles, Paul commits charges to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18) and addresses the legal dimension of charges against God's people (Romans 8:33).
Theological Significance
The varied meanings of 'charge' illuminate the biblical themes of stewardship, authority, accountability, and justification. Sacred charges remind believers that spiritual responsibilities are solemn trusts from God. The financial dimension teaches servant leadership. Most significantly, the legal sense of 'charge' leads directly to the gospel: Romans 8:33 declares that no accusation can prevail against those whom God has justified through Christ.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, charges and commissions were formalized through ceremonies, oaths, and written documents. Temple personnel in both Israel and surrounding cultures received specific charges regarding their duties. Roman legal proceedings, which form the background for several New Testament uses of the term, involved formal charges (accusationes) brought before magistrates. Paul's own trials before Roman governors illustrate this legal framework. The concept of not being financially 'chargeable' reflected Greco-Roman ideals of self-sufficiency among philosophers and teachers.