Paying Taxes to Caesar

(Matthew 22:15–22, Mark 12:13–17)

[When] the chief priests and scribes[fn] realized that [Jesus] had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him vvv that very hour. But they were afraid.[fn]

20 

So they watched [Him] closely [and] sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch [Him] in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 21 “Teacher,” they inquired“we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 

But [Jesus] saw through their duplicity [and] said to them,“Why do you test Me?[fn] 24 Show Me a denarius.[fn] Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they answered.

25 

So [Jesus] told them,“Give to Caesar what [is] Caesar’s, and to God what [is] God’s.”

26 

And vvv they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent.

27