What is the significance of the image on the coin in Matthew 22:20? Immediate Scriptural Context (Matthew 22:15–22) The Pharisees and Herodians, hostile factions normally opposed to one another, unite to trap Jesus with a political question about paying the poll-tax to Rome. After requesting a “denarius,” Jesus asks, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” (v. 20). When they answer, “Caesar’s,” He concludes, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (v. 21). Astonished, they leave Him (v. 22). Historical Background of the Coin A “denarius” in circulation during A.D. 29–33 almost certainly featured Emperor Tiberius. Obverse: Tiberius’ laureate head with the Latin legend TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS (“Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus”). Reverse: seated female figure—Livia (his mother) personified as Pax—with the inscription PONTIF MAXIM (“high priest”). Coins of this precise type have been unearthed at Caesarea Maritima, Jerusalem, and other first-century strata in Judea, corroborating the Gospel’s temporal setting. Political and Cultural Significance of the Image and Inscription 1. Image (εἰκών, eikōn): A portrait of the emperor signifying sovereignty over the realm. 2. Inscription (ἐπιγραφή, epigraphē): A claim to divinity (“son of the divine Augustus”) and priestly authority (“pontifex maximus”), offensive to Jewish monotheism (Exodus 20:3–4). 3. Tax Context: The denarius represented Rome’s census tax—compulsory, annual, and deeply resented. Handling such a coin in the Temple precincts highlighted Jewish discomfort with idolatrous imagery. Theological Point: Limited Civil Authority versus Ultimate Divine Ownership By acknowledging Caesar’s likeness on the coin, Jesus concedes a limited, temporal jurisdiction—monetary and civic. Yet by juxtaposing “and to God what is God’s,” He elevates Yahweh’s claim above all, for humankind bears God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). The coin belongs to Caesar; the person, in body and soul, belongs to God. This preserves rightful civic obedience (Romans 13:1–7) while preventing idolatrous veneration of the state (Acts 5:29). Doctrine of Imago Dei Clarified Genesis teaches that every person is stamped with the divine eikōn, an ontological imprint infinitely surpassing Caesar’s metallic die. Jesus’ argument presupposes this: if a coin’s origin dictates its destination, so too must God’s image-bearers return themselves in worship, service, and repentance to their Maker (Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Messianic and Eschatological Implications Jesus, standing in the Temple days before His crucifixion and resurrection (attested by 1 Corinthians 15:3–8; multiple early creedal formulas), implicitly asserts His messianic kingship. Caesar’s image will fade, but the risen Messiah now possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). His coming kingdom relativizes every earthly empire (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15). Ethical and Behavioral Application Believers are to: • Pay lawful taxes and respect government within its God-ordained sphere. • Refuse idolatry of state, wealth, or power. • Offer themselves—time, talent, treasure, and allegiance—to God alone. This balance nurtures social order while guarding conscience, a principle validated in behavioral studies linking transcendent accountability with civic virtue. Cross-References for Further Study • Civil obedience: Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Peter 2:13–17 • Divine ownership: Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 50:10–12 • Idolatry warned: Matthew 4:10; 1 John 5:21 • Resurrection authority: Acts 17:31; Philippians 2:9–11 Conclusion The coin’s image crystallizes the distinction between temporal and eternal claims on the human person. Jesus’ masterful response affirms legitimate civic duty yet anchors ultimate allegiance in God, whose image we bear and whose risen Son alone secures salvation. |
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