What is the meaning of Matthew 17:24? After they had arrived in Capernaum • Capernaum was the ministry “home base” for Jesus (Matthew 4:13; Mark 2:1), so His arrival signals a return to familiar territory where many knew His works. • The timing follows His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-23); He is moving steadily toward Jerusalem and the cross, yet He still ministers along the way. • By literally recording the setting, Matthew grounds the event in real geography, underscoring the historical reliability of the account. the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter • The “two-drachma tax” (about half a shekel) was the annual temple tax established in Exodus 30:13-16 to support worship and maintenance (see also 2 Chronicles 24:6-10). • Approaching Peter rather than Jesus hints that Peter was seen as spokesman for the group (compare Matthew 16:16; Acts 2:14). • Their coming shows this was a routine civic-religious duty for every Jewish male, not a Roman levy; it tested fidelity to God-given law, not Caesar’s (contrast Matthew 22:17-21). • God’s law required it, so the question sets up Jesus’ response about His identity and relation to the temple. and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” • The collectors assume teachers should model obedience; their question probes whether Jesus honors the temple system He often critiques (John 2:13-16). • Jesus will soon affirm His divine Sonship, declaring Himself greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6) yet choosing to pay “so that we may not offend them” (Matthew 17:27). • His answer (17:25-27) balances two truths: – As Son, He is exempt, for “the sons are free.” – As Servant, He humbly submits, miraculously providing payment through the coin in the fish’s mouth, displaying sovereignty over creation (Psalm 24:1) while fulfilling the law (Matthew 5:17). • This incident foreshadows the greater payment He alone can make—His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19). summary Matthew 17:24 introduces a real-world question about the temple tax to reveal Jesus’ unique status. Literally present in Capernaum, He faces lawful demand, yet His forthcoming response will show He is both the obedient Messiah and the divine Son who owes nothing yet pays everything. |
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