Key Text: Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him (Mark 12:17).
Originally, in the time of the Republic, the Roman census involved registration of Roman citizens and their property in relation to military service and the collection of direct taxes perhaps as its main goal. There were two kinds of direct taxes: a tax on agricultural produce and a tax on each individual (poll tax). Women and slaves had to pay the poll tax; only children and old people were exempt. The payment of the tax had to take place in the main town of the tax district and Jerusalemn was one of the main cities. Roman taxes were calculated in terms of denarii (12 to 14 cents) and this type of coin had the emperor’s portrait on it v 16.
The chief priests, scribes, and elders sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in an “unguarded” statement. Those who did the sending were the same party against whom Jesus told the parable of tenants in verse 12. They made a second attempt to “catch Jeus in a statement” in order to arrest him. They showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him, “Caesar’s agents are exacting taxes from us.” So Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” v 17.
Paul told the Roman Christians to “submit to the governing authorities” and he explained that obeying authorities is tied to obeying God. Christians are called to honor all leaders, as long as it doesn’t compromise the faith–God’s sovereignty over human affairs. While we may not agree with every decision of our leaders, we are still called to live in a way that honors God. Paul said that individuals who disobey human law “bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1). When God leads one to take a stand against injustice, he is still subject to the law and may endure the repercussions of his choices, which may include “suffering for faith.” Christians also need to consider their conscience. Disobedience creates guilt, and believers are called to walk in freedom from guilt. So, honoring the laws of society allows us to sleep soundly at night in addition to escaping judgment.
Peter seems to command the believers to “fit into your place in the social structure with Christian humility” as they relate to servants, wives, and husbands. The philosophy of “To every ordinance of man or unto governors” is that we are all the servants of God v 16. For clarity, there are times when the government is itself in violation of the power and authority given by God and contrary to Scripture, when the Christian must not submit. (Peter refused to submit to authority on the grounds that it was contrary to the will of God – Acts 4:19). Christian humility may be summarized by four brief commandments: honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and respect the office of the king. AMEN!
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