Mat 22:15-22 | PNT | STEP | Then went the Pharisees . They were the chief element in the Sanhedrin delegation which assailed him. See . Compare .

Matthew 22:15-22

Then went the Pharisees. They were the chief element in the Sanhedrin delegation which assailed him. See Mt 21:45,46. Compare Mr 12:13-17 Lu 20:19-26. Sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians. The "disciples" were Pharisees, but young, unknown, and less likely to be suspected. The Herodians were a Jewish political party that favored the Herodian and Roman rule.

Master. They came with flatteries in order the better to deceive. Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, nor not? To the Roman emperor, who had subjected Judea. If he had said "no", they expected to denounce him to the Roman governor as teaching sedition. If he had said "yes", they expected it would destroy his influence, as the people hated the Romans and the tribute. Perceived their wickedness. Their deceit. Shew me the tribute money. The Roman coin was used to pay the poll-tax.

A penny. The Roman denarius, a silver coin worth sixteen cents. It had on it the image and name of Tiberius Caesar. Render therefore unto Caesar. The use of Caesar's coin as the current money was an acknowledgment of Caesar. Let them return his coin when demanded.

Unto God the things that are God's. Obedience in moral and spiritual things. Faith, love, obedience and liberal giving for God's work. We are to obey the human government over us, and to obey God. When the first requires us to disobey God, we are to obey him, whatever may be the peril. See Ac 5:29.