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Explanation for:
Matthew
22
:
17
Tell us therefore what dost thou think, is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A misleading and complimentary inquiry was posed, compelling Him to respond in a manner suggesting that, out of reverence for God beyond that for Caesar, He might declare that no taxes ought to be paid. This was intended so that the Herodians, upon hearing such a statement, would swiftly apprehend Him as the one inciting a rebellion against Roman authority or as a disruptor of the Roman leader's command."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Since the Romans assumed control over their local governance, the people had been paying taxes. Recognizing that not too long ago, both Theudas and Judas had faced execution for attempting to incite rebellion, they aimed to place Jesus in a similar predicament with their inquiry. To achieve this, they not only dispatched their own followers but also enlisted soldiers from Herod, intending to ensnare Him with questions from both sides. If the Savior had aligned His words with the Herodians’ views, the Pharisees would have rebuked Him; conversely, if He had sided with the Pharisees, the supporters of Herod would have denounced Him. Although He had indeed paid the temple tax, they were unaware of this, believing they could entrap Him regardless of the response. Their greater concern was that He might contradict the Herodians. Thus, they sent their disciples with the intention of provoking Him into a controversial statement, which they could then use as a basis to hand Him over to the authorities as a violator of the law. Luke the evangelist notes that they questioned Him publicly, looking to gather more witnesses to support their plot. However, the outcome was the opposite of their design, revealing their folly before the assembled crowd. They asked Him, \\"Tell us: what do you think?\\" Ironically, they now referred to the one they had repeatedly disdained and insulted regarding salvation as a teacher. Yet, they remained unchanged in their views. Their cunning is evident; they avoided asking, \\"What is good?\\" or \\"What aligns with the law?\\" Instead, they posed a vague inquiry of opinion, solely focused on finding a way to betray Him and implicate Him in defiance of the ruling power. This intent is further underscored by the account of Mark the Evangelist."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Because they were convinced that the Lord ought to rule over the kingdom of Israel and referred to Him as the son of David, they sought to determine whether He would issue a command regarding the payment of taxes to Caesar. If He had responded with \\"do not pay,\\" they would have seized upon this as a reason to accuse Him of claiming kingship. Their inquiry was not intended to dissuade them from paying taxes, but rather to provide a justification for His execution."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The issue at hand is not merely about what we plan to inquire, but rather about the nature of our inquiry itself. Is it appropriate to partake of the tribute known as the date kinson kesarevi, since the term “Kinson” derives from the Roman word for tax? Appropriate here signifies not just permissible but just. The Jewish people once experienced complete freedom by adhering to the law; however, when they strayed from it, they fell under the dominion of the Romans, who were governed by Caesar, and began paying tributes to him. Their question was laced with craftiness and deceit, aiming to force a reaction from him. If he were to affirm the possibility of paying tribute, they could rally the populace against him by suggesting that he endorsed servitude to Caesar, effectively subordinating God's people to human authorities. Conversely, if he declared it impossible, they would seek to use that answer to report him to the governor, framing it as a call to resist Caesar and incite rebellion. How did the Source of all wisdom respond to such a question?"},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Herodians might either be identified as soldiers loyal to Herod or individuals who believed that Herod was the expected Messiah. When the leader of Judah fell into poverty and Herod ascended the throne, some perceived him as the prophesied one. It was with these individuals that the disciples of the Pharisees sought to entrap Christ. They approached Him under the guise of flattery, hoping to persuade Him into declaring, \\"It is inappropriate to pay taxes,\\" intending to accuse Him as an insurrectionist who incited the populace against Caesar. Hence, they also aligned with the Herodians, supporters of the king's dominion. They asserted, \\"You shall not regard any person,\\" meaning that He should not utter anything to placate Pilate or Herod. They inquired whether it was acceptable to be subject to human authorities and to render them taxes, akin to offering the didrachma to God, or if payment should only be made to God. Their inquiry held a specific aim: if He had responded, \\"We must not pay tribute to Caesar,\\" He would have been arrested and put to death for being seen as a supporter of Judas and Theudas, who had rebelled against paying tribute to Caesar. However, Jesus, referencing the likeness of Caesar on the coin, instructs them that what bears Caesar’s image must be returned to him. Essentially, this conveys the message that in matters pertaining to our earthly existence, we should obey rulers, while in spiritual matters, we owe our allegiance to God. It can also be interpreted in another way: each of us must offer to the adversary, that Caesar of the underworld, what rightfully belongs to him. For instance, if you experience anger, recognize that this anger originates from Caesar, which is from the evil one; redirect your wrath towards the genuine source of that anger, meaning you should be indignant and opposed to the devil. In this manner, you will also render God’s rightful due to Him: by fulfilling His commandments. Another perspective is that we are dual beings, comprising body and soul; to our body, akin to Caesar, we owe sustenance and clothing, while to our elevated part, our soul, we must provide what is fitting for it."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"‘As you see fit?’ Observe how they craftily maneuver; they do not inquire, ‘Tell us what is good, what is beneficial, what aligns with the law,’ but instead question, ‘As it seems to you.’ Their true intent is to ensnare Him and to falsely accuse Him in direct challenge to the highest authority’ (Chrysostom). - ‘Is it permissible to pay taxes?’ The Jewish law did not address this matter; however, the legalists contended that since the Jewish people were God’s chosen ones and the Lord was their only sovereign, tribute should be offered solely to Him, and they should not owe taxes to foreign rulers, their oppressors. It is noted that the uprising led by Judah the Gablonite was founded on this principle (Flav. Ant. 18:1). - ‘To Caesar’: referring to the Roman emperor. Since the era of Julius Caesar, the term Caesar became synonymous with all Roman emperors, just as Pharaoh is with the rulers of Egypt. At that time, Tiberius, the son of Octavian Augustus, was the tyrannical and immoral ruler.\\""},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They proceed to inquire, “What is your opinion? Should we, as the people of God, pay taxes to Caesar, or should we refrain? By paying these taxes, are we not rendering the people of God subjects to the Gentiles, thus offending our conscience?” St. Chrysostom points out, “Observe how cunningly they act: they do not ask what is righteous, what is beneficial, or what aligns with the Law, but rather ‘What do you think?’ What do You think? Their aim is solely to entrap Him, seeking to accuse Him of defying the highest authority.” This intent is further underscored by the Evangelist Mark, who, regarding their arrogance and deadly intentions, notes that they queried the Savior: “Is it lawful to give to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Their inquiry was fueled by rage and a twisted desire to eliminate Him, all while feigning a desire to please Him. But the one they sought to ensnare perceives not only their question but also the motives and hearts of those who ask. He discerns that “their wickedness is ripe and openly revealed,” and thus He “pierces deeper into their affliction, unveiling their hidden thoughts, exposing to everyone their true intent in coming to Him, thereby confounding them right from the outset.”"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Deceitful individuals seemed to be abundant, and the Pharisees selected some of their most clever disciples, inviting the Herodians to join them. During this gathering, they planned to pose questions intended to trap Jesus in His words. One of the matters they agreed to raise was whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar; they enlisted the Herodians for this discussion, as they acknowledged the legality of such payments, making it easier to accuse Jesus should He counsel against them. \\n\\nAt that time, Palestine had two types of currency: secular and sacred. The secular currency was the Roman coin bearing the likeness of the emperor (Caesar) along with its inscription, widely used by the Jews in trade and for taxes owed to Caesar. The Jewish coin, known as the shekel, was viewed as sacred and primarily used for paying the annual temple tax to Jerusalem, a requirement for every Jew regardless of their location. The Jewish people believed they were subjects only to God and felt a divine obligation to contribute only to His house, the temple. Any other tax was seen as oppressive, making them servants to a ruler other than God and enslaving them to Gentile authorities.\\n\\nThis question was likely significant to the following that surrounded Jesus, who were loyal to Him. If He stated that paying taxes to Caesar was lawful, He would risk losing the support of the populace, who were resentful of taxation. Conversely, if He declared it unlawful, He would be reported to Pilate and face arrest. \\n\\nAs the detainers approached Jesus, masquerading as His sincere followers, they began to flatter Him: \\"Teacher, we recognize Your righteousness, and how You always proclaim the truth without fear of disapproval from anyone, including worldly authorities. You do not shy away from correcting iniquity because You genuinely teach the way of God. Please tell us, is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or is it unlawful? Are we not abandoning the people of God to become subjects of a pagan monarch? Enlighten us on whether we should pay this tax or refuse.\\""},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"All their cunning tactics and deceptive flatteries proved futile. The painful sting and poisonous fangs were quickly apparent. They asked Him, \\"What do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?\\" They believed He must respond with a definitive yes or no. Should He say yes, it would be enough for the people to reject Him, as one who accepted the despised rule of the Gentiles, and thus not worthy of the title of Messiah. Conversely, if He responded, \\"No, it is not lawful,\\" in an attempt to maintain His rapport with the crowd, they would immediately accuse Him of insurrection and bring Him before the procurator, who would swiftly and harshly punish Him, similar to how he had treated the Galileans whose blood he had mingled with their sacrifices."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Many had already proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah due to the extraordinary miracles He performed, such as walking on water, casting out unclean spirits, healing the blind and lame, and even raising the dead. However, the Jewish elders, members of the Sanhedrin, rejected Him as the Savior of the world out of bitterness and resolved to have Him put to death, despite finding no fault in Him. Not wanting to resort to violence against the Savior prematurely out of fear of inciting the crowds, Christ’s adversaries devised a clever plan to ensnare Him with His words, aiming to deliver Him to the authority of the governor. This scheme was driven by the hypocritical Pharisees, the self-proclaimed keepers of the Mosaic Law, who spared no effort to achieve their goals, even forming an alliance with their enemies, the followers of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. The Herodians, who sought to maintain favorable relations with the Roman government at all costs, shared sympathies with the Sadducees (Mark 8:15; Matthew 16:6). While the Sadducees largely disregarded the traditional beliefs of the people, the Herodians viewed them as allies, which led to their mutual disdain by the Pharisees. As staunch defenders of the Law and Jewish identity, the Pharisees despised the changes embraced by the Sadducees and their adherents. Yet, in their desire to accuse the Lord more effectively, the Pharisees approached their rivals for assistance.\\n\\nThey sent their disciples to Jesus alongside the Herodians, presenting themselves as genuinely pious and sincere. Together, they posed a question that had perplexed many: \\"Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, or not?\\" The question was not only relevant to their circumstances but also fraught with peril. The Jews, stripped of their independence, were burdened by Roman taxes, which many believed contradicted the spirit of the Mosaic Law. The common belief among the people, influenced by the Pharisees, was that only taxes for the temple were obligatory for a true Israelite (Exodus 30:12-16). Conversely, Herod's supporters and the Sadducees, driven by necessity, contended that it was acceptable to pay taxes to a foreign authority. With a facade of respect, they approached the Savior, flattering Him: \\"Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God accurately, and are not swayed by others because you do not judge by outward appearance. So tell us, what is your opinion? Should we pay tribute to Caesar or not?\\" This was nothing short of treachery. \\n\\nAs St. John Chrysostom observes, they did not seek to know what was righteous or beneficial according to the Law; instead, they aimed to entrap Him in opposition to the ruling authorities. The Pharisees anticipated a negative response, believing that He, who identified as the Messiah, would not want to undermine the people's hopes for liberation from Roman rule. Despite the message of a heavenly kingdom, the populace still sought temporal freedom from oppression above all else. A negative answer from Jesus would have provided the Pharisees with the grounds to accuse Him before the Roman governor, portraying Him as a threat to Roman authority and a scourge of public peace. They would have seized the chance to report Him to Pilate and Herod, claiming, \\"This man teaches that we should not pay taxes to you.\\" They would not hesitate to have Him executed. \\n\\nEven had the Lord answered affirmatively, the Pharisees would still twist His words: He does not care for His people, wishing to maintain their bondage and submit to their oppressors, ruling that the hardships of taxation continue. Knowing that the people would react furiously, perceiving the glorified Teacher as an advocate for the Romans, they could have stoked violent uprisings against Him to further their plot. Ultimately, if the Savior had chosen not to respond to their malicious inquiry, His silence could have been weaponized against Him, tarnishing His prophetic stature in the eyes of the people."}]}
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