Verse 17. Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar? Tribute was the tax paid to the Roman government.

Caesar. The Roman emperor. The name Caesar, after the time of Julius Caesar, became common to all the emperors, as Pharaoh was the common name of all the kings of Egypt. The Caesar that reigned at this time was Tiberius -- a man distinguished for the grossest vices, and most disgusting and debasing sensuality.