Definition and Context:
Tribute money refers to the tax or levy imposed by governing authorities, often paid in the form of currency. In the context of the New Testament, it specifically relates to the Roman tax imposed on the Jewish people during the time of Jesus. This topic is most notably addressed in the Gospels, where Jesus is questioned about the legitimacy of paying taxes to the Roman authorities.

Biblical References:
The most significant passage concerning tribute money is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 22:15-22 , the Pharisees, in collaboration with the Herodians, attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They ask, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:17). Jesus, perceiving their malice, asks them to show Him the coin used for the tax. When they present a denarius, He inquires about the image and inscription on the coin. They respond, "Caesar's." Jesus then delivers His famous response: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21). This answer marvels His questioners and effectively avoids their trap.

Theological Significance:
The incident of the tribute money highlights several key theological and ethical principles. Firstly, it underscores the distinction between earthly and divine authority. Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of secular governance and the responsibilities of citizens to fulfill their civic duties, including paying taxes. At the same time, He emphasizes the ultimate sovereignty of God, to whom all honor and allegiance are due.

Secondly, the passage illustrates Jesus' wisdom in navigating politically charged questions. By affirming the payment of taxes, He avoids accusations of rebellion against Roman authority, while His statement about giving to God what is God's affirms the primacy of spiritual devotion and obedience.

Historical and Cultural Background:
During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the imposition of taxes was a contentious issue among the Jewish people. The tax in question was likely the poll tax, a direct tax levied on individuals. The denarius, a Roman silver coin, bore the image of the emperor, which many Jews found objectionable due to the graven image and the inscription proclaiming the divinity of Caesar.

The Pharisees and Herodians, despite their differing views, united in their opposition to Jesus. The Pharisees resented Roman rule and the Herodians, supporters of the Herodian dynasty, were more accommodating to Roman authority. Their collaboration in questioning Jesus reflects the political and religious tensions of the time.

Practical Implications:
The teaching on tribute money continues to have practical implications for Christians today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities, including the payment of taxes, while maintaining a clear distinction between secular obligations and spiritual commitments. Christians are called to respect and pray for governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2) while prioritizing their ultimate allegiance to God.

Related Topics:
· Authority and Government
· Christian Citizenship
· Separation of Church and State
· Allegiance to God vs. Earthly PowersTribute Money

TRIBUTE MONEY

(to nomisma tou kensou (Matthew 22:19), "the coin used in payment of the imperial taxes"): Lit. "the lawful money of the tax," which, in the case of the poll tax, had to be paid in current coin of the realm (see Matthew 17:27).

Tribute Money

[TAXES; TRIBUTE]

2778. kensos -- to muzzle
... a poll-tax. 2778 -- poll-tax; ; "literally, ',' which was not paid in ,
but rather in money" (, 71). tribute, poll tax Of Latin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2778.htm - 6k4061. middah -- tribute
... toll, tribute. (Aramaic) or mindah (Aramaic) {min-daw'}; corresponding to middah;
tribute in money -- toll, tribute. see HEBREW middah. 4060b, 4061. ...
/hebrew/4061.htm - 6k

Peter and the Tribute-Money.
... PETER AND THE TRIBUTE-MONEY. It was a part of the ... pay tribute for Himself
and Peter. [Illustration: PETER AND THE TRIBUTE-MONEY.]. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/peter and the tribute-money.htm

Of his Paying the Tribute Money Out of the Mouth of the Fish, an ...
... The Prologue. Chapter LX."Of His Paying the Tribute Money Out of the Mouth
of the Fish, an Incident Which Matthew Alone Mentions. 118. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lx of his paying the.htm

The Tribute Money
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 12:13-17 THE TRIBUTE
MONEY. "And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 13-17 the tribute money.htm

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
... Part Sixth. From the Third Passover Until Our Lord's Arrival at Bethany. (Time:
One Year Less One Week.) LXXII. Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxii jesus pays the tribute.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... Let no needless offence be given; for, assuredly, they would not have understood
the principle on which Christ would have refused the Tribute money, [3761] and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... the roaring elements. But how about the tribute money which he procured,
and of which Matthew (17.27) narrates? Did Jesus, indeed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

Psalm IV.
... And I believe this to be the bearing of that which some understand skilfully; I
mean, what the Lord said on seeing C??sar's tribute money, "Render to C??sar ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iv.htm

Tribute to Caesar.
... But Jesus perceived their craftiness, and said, "Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?
Show me the tribute money.". And they brought unto him a denarius. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/tribute to caesar.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... the meanness and hypocrisy in their question, thereby emphasizing the important
fact that he did not dodge, but answered it.] 19 Show me the tribute money. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to.htm

The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. )
... Nor did he work a miracle to procure the tribute"money, but directed
Peter to make use of the means which his trade supplied. ...
/.../section 191 the stater in.htm

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