They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
The Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Rome (v. 17). Either answer seemed dangerous—endorsing Roman taxation would alienate Jewish nationalists; opposing it could invite Roman charges of sedition. Jesus' brilliant response transcends their false dilemma. 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's' acknowledges legitimate civil authority and Christians' responsibility toward earthly government (Romans 13:1-7). Yet 'and unto God the things that are God's' establishes clear priority—God's ultimate claim supersedes all human authority. The coin bore Caesar's image (εἰκών/eikon); humans bear God's image (Genesis 1:27). We owe the state taxation; we owe God total allegiance. This principle establishes Christian civic responsibility while maintaining God's supreme authority. When government demands what belongs to God alone (worship, absolute obedience), believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Historical Context
Roman taxation was economically oppressive and religiously offensive to Jews. The denarius bore Caesar's image and inscriptions claiming divinity ('Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus'). For Jews, using such coins and paying this tax felt like endorsing idolatry and occupation. Zealots violently opposed Roman taxation. Herodians supported Rome's puppet rulers. These normally opposed groups united to trap Jesus. His answer satisfied neither party's agenda while establishing profound political theology still relevant today. Early Christians faced this tension constantly—how to live faithfully under imperial authority that demanded worship.
Questions for Reflection
How should Christians balance legitimate submission to government with ultimate loyalty to God?
What modern situations create tension between civic duties and kingdom priorities?
In what ways might we wrongly give to 'Caesar' what belongs exclusively to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Rome (v. 17). Either answer seemed dangerous—endorsing Roman taxation would alienate Jewish nationalists; opposing it could invite Roman charges of sedition. Jesus' brilliant response transcends their false dilemma. 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's' acknowledges legitimate civil authority and Christians' responsibility toward earthly government (Romans 13:1-7). Yet 'and unto God the things that are God's' establishes clear priority—God's ultimate claim supersedes all human authority. The coin bore Caesar's image (εἰκών/eikon); humans bear God's image (Genesis 1:27). We owe the state taxation; we owe God total allegiance. This principle establishes Christian civic responsibility while maintaining God's supreme authority. When government demands what belongs to God alone (worship, absolute obedience), believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).