Matthew 17:24-27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Tax-free Sons No Stumbling-block

Matthew 17:24-27 – Tax-free Sons No Stumbling-block

MT17:24 Having arrived in Capernaum certain men collecting the [Temple-tax] of two drachmas[1] approached Peter, asking: “Does your teacher refuse to pay the [temple tax]?” MT17:25 Peter answered, “Yes.”[2] But when Peter entered the house, Jesus anticipated him[3] by asking, “Simon, what is your view?[4] From whom do earth’s rulers receive duty and tax?[5] From their sons or from aliens?”[6] MT17:26 Peter answered, “From the aliens.” Then, Jesus said to him, “Really, then, the sons are free [from taxes]. MT17:27 But so we might not stumble them:[7] go fish in the sea. The first fish you hook pull in and when you open its mouth you will find a stater [coin].[8] Take the coin and give it to them for me and you.”

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[1] [Temple-tax] of two drachmas: Or, KJV: received tribute money; ASV: half-shekel; TCNT: temple-tax. About $1.30 or a week’s wages. Compare the tabernacle tax (Exodus 30:12-16; 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9; Nehemiah 10:32).

[2] Yes: Peter speaks incorrectly.

[3] Jesus anticipated him: Or, KJV: Jesus prevented him; WMS: – he got there ahead of Simon –; RSV: Jesus spoke to him first.

[4] Simon, what is your view: Or, KJV: what thinkest thou; BER: what is your idea; MON: how does it seem to you. There is no direct correction or rebuke.

[5] Duty and tax: Or, KJV: custom or tax; RHM: dues or tax; KNX: customs or taxes; RIEU: import or capitation taxes; TCNT: taxes or tribute. This subject comes up a couple times: research the word tax.

[6] Sons or from aliens: Or, KJV: their own children, or of strangers; RIEU: citizens or on foreigners; MON: from their own people or from aliens.

[7] Not stumble them: The Greek is SCANDALISOMEN. Or, KJV: offend; NEB: cause difficulties; WMS: not influence them to do any thing wrong; TCNT: may not shock them.

[8] A stater [coin]: Or, KJV: a piece of money; ASV: a shekel; RIEU: silver coins; MOF: four drachmas. About four days wages.

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Preceding

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

Matthew 17:10-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Elijah Has Already Come

Matthew 17:14-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

Matthew 17:22-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grief and Jesus’ Prediction of His Death

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Related

1. Exodus 30:11-16 The Census Tax
2. The Fishy Temple Tax
3. Matthew 17, the Ttansfiguration, the healing of a boy with a demon, the “temple tax”.
4. No Stumbling Block
5. Peter and John — Matthew 17:24-27
6. Ancient Beka Found Near Temple Mount in Jerusalem
7. Trend Update: Temple Coin with Trump Likeness in High Demand, March 2018