"But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours." “But so that we may not offend them,This phrase highlights Jesus' awareness of social and religious customs. The temple tax was a customary levy for the maintenance of the temple, rooted in Exodus 30:13-16. Jesus, though exempt as the Son of God, chooses to avoid unnecessary conflict, demonstrating humility and respect for established practices. This reflects the principle of not causing others to stumble, as seen in Romans 14:13-21. 1Co 10:32-33 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks…… go to the sea, The Sea of Galilee is the geographical setting, a significant location in Jesus' ministry. It was a hub for fishing, a common occupation in the region. This instruction to Peter, a fisherman by trade, connects to his background and expertise, emphasizing the practical nature of Jesus' miracles. Jhn 21:3-5 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.”… cast a hook, Unlike the typical use of nets, casting a hook suggests a specific, miraculous intervention. This method underscores the personal and direct nature of the miracle, contrasting with the usual collective fishing practices. It also highlights the precision of Jesus' command and the certainty of the outcome. Isa 19:8 Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook… and take the first fish you catch. The specificity of "the first fish" indicates divine foreknowledge and control over creation. This act serves as a testament to Jesus' authority over nature, reminiscent of His calming of the storm in Matthew 8:23-27. It also symbolizes the provision of God, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). Luk 5:6-7 When they had done so, they caught such a large number… When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. The four-drachma coin, or stater, was equivalent to the temple tax for two people. This detail underscores the precision of the miracle and Jesus' provision for both Himself and Peter. The unexpected source of the coin highlights God's ability to provide in unforeseen ways, echoing the provision of manna in Exodus 16. Exo 30:13-16 Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay… Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.” Jesus' inclusion of Peter in the payment signifies His solidarity with His disciples. It also reflects the fulfillment of legal and religious obligations, despite His divine exemption. This act prefigures Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, where He pays the debt of sin for humanity, as foreshadowed in Isaiah 53:5. Rom 13:6-7 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- The central figure in this passage, who provides a miraculous solution to a practical problem. 2. Peter - One of Jesus' disciples, tasked with carrying out the instructions given by Jesus. 3. The Sea - Likely the Sea of Galilee, where Peter is instructed to fish. 4. The Temple Tax Collectors - Those who collect the two-drachma tax, which was a customary tax for the maintenance of the temple. 5. The Fish - The miraculous means by which the tax money is provided. Teaching Points Divine ProvisionGod provides for our needs in unexpected ways. Trust in His provision even when the solution is not immediately apparent. Avoiding Unnecessary Offense As Christians, we should strive to live peaceably with others and avoid causing unnecessary offense, especially in matters of cultural or societal norms. Obedience to Christ Peter's obedience to Jesus' unusual instruction demonstrates faith. We should be willing to follow Christ's guidance, even when it seems unconventional. Faith in Action This passage encourages us to act on our faith. Peter had to go to the sea and cast a hook, showing that faith often requires action. God's Sovereignty The incident underscores God's control over creation, as He orchestrates events to meet the needs of His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the context of the temple tax in Exodus 30:13-16 help us understand the significance of this event in Matthew 17:27?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of avoiding unnecessary offense in our daily interactions with others? 3. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's provision, and what are some modern examples of this principle? 4. What does Peter's obedience teach us about the nature of faith and action in our relationship with Christ? 5. How can we recognize and respond to God's sovereignty in our lives, as demonstrated in this miraculous provision? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:13-16This passage outlines the original command for the temple tax, providing context for why the tax was collected. Philippians 4:19 This verse speaks to God's provision, similar to how Jesus provides for the tax in a miraculous way. 1 Peter 2:13-17 Peter later writes about submitting to authorities, reflecting the principle of not causing offense, as seen in this passage. People Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter, SimonPlaces Capernaum, Galilee, High MountainTopics Bit, Bring, Cast, Catch, Cause, Coin, Fish, Four-drachma, Hast, Hook, However, Lake, Lest, Line, Money, Mouth, Notwithstanding, Offence, Offend, Offense, Open, Opened, Piece, Shekel, Sin, Stater, Stumble, Tax, Throw, Trouble, Wilt, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 17:27 1412 foreknowledge 2057 Christ, obedience Library January 18. "That Take and Give for Me and Thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). "That take and give for Me and thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). There is a beautiful touch of loving thoughtfulness in the account of Christ's miracle at Capernaum in providing the tribute money. After the reference to Peter's interview with the tax collector, it is added, "When he came into the house Jesus prevented him," that is, anticipated him, as the old Saxon word means, by arranging for the need before Peter needed to speak about it at all, and He sent Peter down to the sea to find the piece of gold … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The King in his Beauty The Secret of Power The Coin in the Fish's Mouth Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. , Where Jesus Showed Himself on the Mount to his Three Disciples. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus Taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his Brother," Etc. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast it Out"? Etc. , and on Prayer. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My Brother Sin against Me," Etc. A Desperate Case --How to Meet It Jesus Only The Transfiguration 1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me... Return to Galilee. The Passion Foretold. Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. The Transfiguration. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The On the Morrow of the Transfiguration William Ellery Channing. Thirteenth Lesson. Prayer and Fasting;' Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. Many Advance So Far, but Few Go Farther. A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in Lent --On the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 13-Jan Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine Links Matthew 17:27 NIVMatthew 17:27 NLT Matthew 17:27 ESV Matthew 17:27 NASB Matthew 17:27 KJV Matthew 17:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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