Luke 20:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:22
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, wisdom, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:22
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
Analysis
Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? (ἔξεστιν ἡμᾶς Καίσαρι φόρον δοῦναι ἢ οὔ, exestin hēmas Kaisari phoron dounai ē ou)—a masterfully crafted trap. The word φόρος (phoros) refers specifically to the Roman poll tax, paid annually by every Judean to Rome, a hated symbol of subjugation.
Answer 'yes' and Jesus alienates the Jewish masses who resented Roman occupation. Answer 'no' and he commits sedition against Caesar, grounds for immediate arrest. The question is theological (is it lawful, i.e., according to God's law?) but politically loaded. This is the same tax that sparked Judas the Galilean's revolt (Acts 5:37), crushed by Rome with mass crucifixions.
Historical Context
The Roman census tax (tributum capitis) began in AD 6 when Judea became a Roman province. Jews had to pay with Roman denarii bearing Caesar's image and the inscription 'Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus.' For monotheistic Jews, coins proclaiming Caesar's divinity were especially offensive. Revolutionary zealots taught that paying was apostasy.
Reflection
- When have you posed questions not to learn but to trap someone into a no-win situation?
- How do you respond when facing a question designed to make any answer you give seem wrong?
- What does Jesus's handling of this trap teach about wisdom in politically charged conversations?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Nehemiah 9:37