Topical Encyclopedia The term "tribute-coin" refers to the coin used in the New Testament account where Jesus is questioned about paying taxes to the Roman authorities. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, and Luke 20:20-26. The tribute-coin is central to the narrative, symbolizing the intersection of religious duty and civic responsibility.Biblical Context In Matthew 22:15-22 , the Pharisees, along with the Herodians, attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. They ask, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:17). Jesus, perceiving their malice, requests to see the coin used for the tax. They present Him with a denarius, a Roman coin. Jesus then asks, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" (Matthew 22:20). They reply, "Caesar's." Jesus responds with the well-known directive, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21). This answer amazes His questioners and effectively silences their attempt to entrap Him. Historical and Cultural Background The denarius was a common Roman silver coin during the time of Jesus, often bearing the image of the reigning emperor. In the context of the tribute-coin narrative, the coin likely bore the image of Tiberius Caesar, who ruled from AD 14 to 37. The inscription would typically include a reference to the emperor's divine status, which was a point of contention for devout Jews who rejected the deification of any human ruler. The payment of taxes to Rome was a contentious issue among the Jewish people. Many Jews resented Roman occupation and the taxes imposed upon them, viewing it as a symbol of subjugation. The Pharisees and Herodians, despite their differing views, united in their attempt to discredit Jesus, hoping to either alienate Him from the Jewish populace or accuse Him of sedition against Rome. Theological Implications Jesus' response to the question about the tribute-coin transcends the immediate political and social concerns of His day. By distinguishing between the obligations to earthly authorities and those to God, Jesus affirms the legitimacy of governmental authority while simultaneously asserting the supremacy of divine authority. His statement implies that while Christians are to fulfill their civic duties, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God. This teaching underscores the principle that believers are to live responsibly within society, respecting and honoring governmental structures, as echoed in other New Testament passages such as Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. At the same time, Jesus' words remind His followers that their primary identity and loyalty are rooted in their relationship with God. Application for Believers The account of the tribute-coin challenges Christians to consider their dual citizenship in both the earthly and heavenly realms. It calls for a balanced approach to civic engagement, encouraging believers to participate in societal structures while maintaining a clear focus on their spiritual commitments. The tribute-coin narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the need to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to God. Library My Brother Fabius Thesaurus Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence)Tribute-coin. Tribute, Tribute-coin. Tribute-money . Multi-Version Concordance Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence). Matthew ... /t/tribute-coin.htm - 6k Tribute-money (2 Occurrences) Denary (8 Occurrences) Coin (9 Occurrences) Shilling (8 Occurrences) Tribute (67 Occurrences) Resources How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org What are actuality and potentiality? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence)Matthew 22:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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