How does Matthew 17:24 connect to Romans 13:1 about submitting to authorities? Setting the scene: the temple tax moment “After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter. ‘Does your Teacher pay the two-drachma tax?’ they asked. ‘Yes,’ he answered… ‘But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, throw in a hook, take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.’” (Matthew 17:24-27) Jesus’ lesson: true freedom yet voluntary submission • The tax in view is the annual half-shekel temple tax (Exodus 30:13-16). • As God’s Son, Jesus is exempt: “Then the sons are exempt.” • He nevertheless pays—by miracle—to “not offend,” modeling humble deference. • The literal coin in a fish’s mouth underscores divine sovereignty: He provides the means to obey earthly requirements. Romans 13:1 laid alongside Matthew 17:24 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) Parallel themes: 1. Divine origin of authority—temple leadership (Matthew 17) and civil rulers (Romans 13) both operate under God’s overarching rule. 2. Voluntary compliance—Jesus submits though exempt; believers are commanded to submit even when citizenship in heaven makes them “free” (Philippians 3:20). 3. Witness to outsiders—Jesus avoids needless offense; Paul urges submission “for the Lord’s sake” (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-15) to silence detractors. Why voluntary submission matters • Protects the mission: unnecessary conflict can overshadow the gospel. • Shows honor to God’s ordering of society (Proverbs 8:15). • Displays Christlike humility—He “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:6-8) and calls His followers to do likewise. Practical takeaways for today • Pay taxes and fees promptly, trusting God to supply—just as He produced a coin for Peter. • Respect laws and officials, even when imperfect, unless they directly contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29). • Use freedom not to rebel but to serve (Galatians 5:13); submission can open doors for gospel conversation. |
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