Topical Bible: Tribute: Roman was Paid in Roman Coin

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the New Testament, the concept of tribute refers to the taxes or levies imposed by the Roman authorities on the provinces under their control, including Judea. The payment of tribute was a significant aspect of Roman governance and a point of contention among the Jewish people, who were subject to Roman rule during the time of Jesus.

Biblical Context

The issue of paying tribute to the Roman authorities is addressed in several passages in the New Testament. One of the most notable instances is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. In Matthew 22:17-21 , they ask, "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus, perceiving their malice, responds, "Show Me the coin used for the tax." When they present a denarius, He asks, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" They reply, "Caesar's." Jesus then declares, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

This passage highlights the use of Roman coinage, specifically the denarius, which bore the image and inscription of the emperor, signifying Roman authority and the obligation to pay tribute. Jesus' response underscores the distinction between civic duty and spiritual obligation, affirming the legitimacy of paying taxes while maintaining allegiance to God.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Roman Empire, known for its extensive and efficient administrative system, levied various taxes on its subjects, including poll taxes, land taxes, and customs duties. The tribute was typically paid in Roman currency, which facilitated trade and commerce across the empire. The use of Roman coins, such as the denarius, was widespread and served as a daily reminder of Roman dominion.

For the Jewish people, the payment of tribute was a contentious issue, as it symbolized subjugation to a foreign power. Some groups, like the Zealots, vehemently opposed Roman rule and the taxes it imposed, viewing them as an affront to God's sovereignty over Israel. Others, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, adopted a more pragmatic approach, recognizing the necessity of paying taxes to maintain peace and order.

Theological Implications

The question of tribute in the New Testament is not merely a political or economic issue but also a theological one. Jesus' teaching on the matter reflects a broader principle of dual responsibility: fulfilling one's obligations to earthly authorities while prioritizing one's ultimate allegiance to God. This dual responsibility is echoed in other New Testament writings, such as Romans 13:1-7 , where the Apostle Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instituted by God for maintaining order and justice.

In summary, the payment of tribute in Roman coinage during the New Testament era serves as a focal point for discussions on authority, allegiance, and the intersection of civic and spiritual duties. The biblical narrative affirms the legitimacy of fulfilling civic responsibilities while maintaining a higher commitment to God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 22:19,20
Show me the tribute money. And they brought to him a penny.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... [Religious dues and tributes had been paid in shekels or old Jewish coin, but the
tribute to Rome was paid in Roman coin of which the denarius was a sample ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to.htm

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... publican' would have made for payment of an impost due to the Roman Government ... here
claims in some sense, Sonship to Him to whom the tribute is paid, that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... To have now paid the Temple-tribute, without explanation, might have involved a ... the
reference here is not to the Temple-tribute, but to the Roman polltax o ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

Sacrifice to Caesar or to God
... question"Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar ... barbaric Teutons who had conquered
the Roman Empire, then ... which our forefathers have always paid tyrants and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xli sacrifice to caesar.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... This Temple-tribute had to be paid in exact ... silver and especially copper coin, [1792]
Persian, Tyrian, Syrian, Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman money circulated ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ...
... Many writers of the Roman history give an account of ... was a bitter oppressor, and
exactor of tribute in Judea. ... 4. It also appears that Galilee then paid no more ...
/.../chapter 33 the golden eagle.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... remitted the taxation of Palestine on a tribute (probably annual ... This was the arrival
of a Roman embassy in Jud??a to ... that this heavy impost was not paid by the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

My Brother Fabius
... we shall certainly be cited before Roman magistrates and ... Bought with blood, paid
for with blood, we owe no ... then was started, it being a tribute coin due indeed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/de fuga in persecutione/my brother fabius.htm

The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... A memorial coin exhibits the Elector with the sword in ... in the Southern and prevailingly
Roman Catholic states ... controlled the political part, and paid the heavy ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 45 the form of.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... whose religion became so powerful in Alexandrian and Roman times. ... who was held
responsible for its loyalty; the administrator paid over the tribute to the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm