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@ Marakesh 𓅦
2025-02-15 21:46:15
Here's my understanding of this passage, and why I believe it's different from "Render unto Caesar":
This was the Temple tax that God commanded to be paid under the Law of Moses. Exodus 30:13 stated: "Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the Lord." Peter found a whole shekel in the fish's mouth which was enough for his payment and Jesus'.
This was not a payment to Caesar, i.e. the government, but to God, for the upkeep of the house of God. Jesus' question "From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” is interesting because He was actually making the point that as God's Son, He was exempt from this tax. However, He paid it on this occasion to not give offense.
So this incident does not indicate that taxes should be paid to the government, but does show that sometimes it might be expedient to pay a tax.