Luke 20:25
So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
So He told them
This phrase introduces the response of Jesus to a question posed by the Pharisees and Herodians. The context is crucial here, as Jesus is addressing a trap set by these groups to ensnare Him in His words. The Greek word for "told" (εἶπεν, eipen) indicates a deliberate and authoritative response. Jesus, as the divine teacher, speaks with wisdom that transcends human cunning. This moment reflects His role as the ultimate source of truth and authority.

Give to Caesar
The word "give" (ἀπόδοτε, apodote) in Greek implies a sense of obligation or duty. It is not merely a suggestion but a command to fulfill one's responsibilities. "Caesar" refers to the Roman emperor, representing the secular authority of the time. This phrase acknowledges the legitimacy of governmental authority and the Christian duty to respect and fulfill civic responsibilities. Historically, this reflects the Roman occupation of Judea and the complex relationship between the Jewish people and their Roman rulers.

what is Caesar’s
This phrase emphasizes the distinction between secular and divine obligations. The use of "what is Caesar’s" suggests that certain aspects of life, such as taxes and civic duties, fall under the jurisdiction of earthly authorities. It acknowledges the reality of living within a societal structure and the necessity of participating in its functions. This reflects the broader biblical principle of respecting and submitting to governing authorities as instituted by God (Romans 13:1-7).

and to God
The conjunction "and" (καί, kai) serves as a pivotal transition, highlighting the dual nature of the obligations being discussed. "To God" shifts the focus from earthly to divine responsibilities. This phrase underscores the ultimate allegiance of believers to God, who is the supreme authority over all creation. It reflects the biblical teaching that while Christians live in the world, their primary loyalty is to God and His commandments.

what is God’s
This concluding phrase encapsulates the heart of Jesus' teaching. "What is God’s" refers to everything that belongs to God, including worship, obedience, and the entirety of one's life. The Greek word for "what" (τὰ, ta) implies all-encompassing ownership. This phrase calls believers to recognize that their lives, talents, and resources are ultimately God's and should be dedicated to His service. It serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's claim on His creation and the call to live a life of holiness and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question designed to trap Him. His wisdom and authority are evident in His response.

2. Pharisees and Herodians
These groups were often at odds with each other but united in their attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.

3. Caesar
The Roman emperor at the time, representing the secular authority and government.

4. Jerusalem
The setting of this event, a city of great religious and political significance.

5. The Denarius
The coin used for the tax, bearing the image of Caesar, which Jesus uses to illustrate His point.
Teaching Points
Dual Citizenship
As Christians, we hold dual citizenship in both the earthly and heavenly realms. We are called to fulfill our responsibilities in both areas, respecting earthly authorities while prioritizing our allegiance to God.

Discernment in Allegiance
Jesus' response teaches us to discern where our ultimate allegiance lies. While we respect earthly authorities, our ultimate loyalty is to God.

Image and Ownership
Just as the coin bears Caesar's image, we bear God's image. This signifies that our lives belong to God, and we are to live in a way that reflects His ownership.

Wisdom in Conflict
Jesus demonstrates wisdom in navigating potential conflicts between religious and secular obligations. We are called to seek God's wisdom in similar situations.

Stewardship of Resources
The passage encourages us to consider how we use our resources, ensuring that we honor God with what He has entrusted to us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our dual citizenship as Christians affect our daily decisions and interactions with government and society?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our ultimate allegiance remains with God, even while fulfilling our earthly responsibilities?

3. How does recognizing that we are made in God's image influence our understanding of giving to God what is God's?

4. What practical steps can we take to seek God's wisdom when faced with conflicts between secular and spiritual obligations?

5. How can we be better stewards of the resources God has given us, ensuring that we honor Him in all aspects of our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 13:1-7
This passage discusses the Christian's responsibility to submit to governing authorities, reinforcing the principle of giving to Caesar what is Caesar's.

Matthew 22:21
A parallel account of the same event, providing additional context and emphasis on Jesus' teaching.

Genesis 1:27
This verse speaks of humans being made in the image of God, which connects to the idea of giving to God what is God's, as we bear His image.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Encourages believers to respect and honor authorities, aligning with Jesus' teaching on rendering to Caesar.
The Sacred and the SecularW. Clarkson Luke 20:19-26
Caesar's Due and God's DueS. Hieron.Luke 20:20-26
Christ was Watched, and So are WeH. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.Luke 20:20-26
Cowards are Like CatsDallas, "Natural History of the Animal Kingdom."Luke 20:20-26
Duty DiscriminatedW. Baxendale.Luke 20:20-26
Man is God's PropertyGrimm.Luke 20:20-26
No Division of AllegianceCanon Duckworth.Luke 20:20-26
Religion and PoliticsF. W. Robertson.Luke 20:20-26
Secular and Religious Duties not in ConflictAnon.Luke 20:20-26
The Divine Image in the SoulBishop Ehrler.Luke 20:20-26
The Medal Made UsefulLuke 20:20-26
Christ Supreme in DebateR.M. Edgar Luke 20:20-40
People
David, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, John
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Caesar, Caesar's, Cesar, Cesar's, God's, Pay, Render, Replied
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 20:25

     2075   Christ, sinless
     4065   orderliness
     5255   citizenship
     5594   tribute
     5959   submission
     8241   ethics, basis of
     8243   ethics, social
     8436   giving, of possessions
     8456   obedience, to authorities

Luke 20:3-26

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Luke 20:20-25

     5257   civil authorities

Luke 20:20-26

     5260   coinage
     5577   taxation

Luke 20:22-25

     2057   Christ, obedience
     5542   society, positive

Luke 20:22-26

     2054   Christ, mind of

Luke 20:23-26

     2081   Christ, wisdom

Luke 20:24-25

     5352   inscriptions

Luke 20:24-26

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching

Library
Whose Image and Superscription?
'Whose image and superscription hath it?'--Luke xx. 24. It is no unusual thing for antagonists to join forces in order to crush a third person obnoxious to both. So in this incident we have an unnatural alliance of the two parties in Jewish politics who were at daggers drawn. The representatives of the narrow conservative Judaism, which loathed a foreign yoke, in the person of the Pharisees and Scribes, and the Herodians, the partisans of a foreigner and a usurper, lay their heads together to propose
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Tenants who Wanted to be Owners
'Then began He to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. 10. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. 11. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The God of the Living.
He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.--ST LUKE xx. 38. It is a recurring cause of perplexity in our Lord's teaching, that he is too simple for us; that while we are questioning with ourselves about the design of Solomon's earring upon some gold-plated door of the temple, he is speaking about the foundations of Mount Zion, yea, of the earth itself, upon which it stands. If the reader of the Gospel supposes that our Lord was here using a verbal argument with the Sadducees,
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints.
"And the dead in Christ shall rise first." This is the second blessed event which shall occur at the Redeemer's return--the sleeping saints will be awakened and raised. This brings us to a branch of our subject upon which there is much ignorance and confusion in Christendom generally. The idea which popularly obtains is that of a general resurrection at the end of time. So deeply rooted is this belief and so widely is it held that to declare there will be two resurrections--one of saints and another
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Morality of the Gospel.
Is stating the morality of the Gospel as an argument of its truth, I am willing to admit two points; first, that the teaching of morality was not the primary design of the mission; secondly, that morality, neither in the Gospel, nor in any other book, can be a subject, properly speaking, of discovery. If I were to describe in a very few words the scope of Christianity as a revelation, [49] I should say that it was to influence the conduct of human life, by establishing the proof of a future state
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Introduction ^A Matt. XXI. 23-27; ^B Mark XI. 27-33; ^C Luke XX. 1-8. ^c 1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, ^b they [Jesus and the disciples] come again to Jerusalem: ^a 23 And when he was come into the temple, ^b and as he was walking in the temple [The large outer court of the temple, known as the court of the Gentiles, was thronged during the feasts, and was no doubt the part selected by Jesus and his apostles when
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Pharisees and Herodians Ask About Tribute. ^A Matt. XXII. 15-22; ^B Mark XII. 13-17; ^C Luke XX. 20-26. ^a 15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. ^c 20 And they watched him, and sent forth { ^b send unto him} ^a their disciples, ^b certain of the Pharisees and of { ^a with} ^b the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk. [Perceiving that Jesus, when on his guard, was too wise for them,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the Question of Christ's Authority - the Question of Tribute to Cæsar - The
THE record of this third day is so crowded, the actors introduced on the scene are so many, the occurrences so varied, and the transitions so rapid, that it is even more than usually difficult to arrange all in chronological order. Nor need we wonder at this, when we remember that this was, so to speak, Christ's last working-day - the last, of His public Mission to Israel, so far as its active part was concerned; the last day in the Temple; the last, of teaching and warning to Pharisees and Sadducees;
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Fac-Similes
OF ANCIENT NEW TESTAMENT MANUSCRIPTS, TO ILLUSTRATE CHAPTER XXVI., PAGE 380. Most of the following specimens of ancient manuscripts are taken from Scrivener's Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament. No. (1) is from Tischendorf s Novum Testamentum Graece ex Sinaitico Codice; Nos. (2) and (11) from Smith's Dictionary of the Bible; and No. (5) from Horne's Introduction, Vol. IV. No. (1). PLATE I. SINAI CODEX, Century IV. Heb. 12:27-29. Notice the occasional use of very small letters. In
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the Pharisees and to the People - on the Way to Jerusalem: the Parable
(ST. Matt. xix. 30, xx. 16; St. Matt. xxi. 28-32; St. Mark xii. 1-12; St. Luke xx. 9-19; St. Matt. xxii. 1-14.) ALTHOUGH it may not be possible to mark their exact succession, it will be convenient here to group together the last series of Parables. Most, if not all of them, were spoken on that third day in Passion week: the first four to a more general audience; the last three (to be treated in another chapter) to the disciples, when, on the evening of that third day, on the Mount of Olives, [5286]
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Wherefore I Cannot Indeed Say, of Females who have Fallen Away from a Better...
14. Wherefore I cannot indeed say, of females who have fallen away from a better purpose, in case they shall have married, that they are adulteries, not marriages; but I plainly would not hesitate to say, that departures and fallings away from a holier chastity, which is vowed unto the Lord, are worse than adulteries. For if, what may no way be doubted, it pertains unto an offense against Christ, when a member of Him keepeth not faith to her husband; how much graver offense is it against Him, when
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Difficulties and Objections
"Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not My way equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezek. 18:25). A convenient point has been reached when we may now examine, more definitely, some of the difficulties encountered and the objections which might be advanced against what we have written in previous pages. The author deemed it better to reserve these for a separate consideration rather than deal with them as he went along, requiring as that would have done the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through Disuse. --The virgin Birth and the Corporeal Resurrection of Jesus
VII SYNOPSIS.--Account to be made of the law of atrophy through disuse.--The virgin birth and the corporeal resurrection of Jesus, the two miracles now insisted on as the irreducible minimum, affected by this law.--The vital truths of the incarnation and immortality independent of these miracles.--These truths now placed on higher ground in a truer conception of the supernatural.--The true supernatural is the spiritual, not the miraculous.--Scepticism bred from the contrary view.--The miracle narratives,
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision B. Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. ^A Matt. XXII. 23-33; ^B Mark XII. 18-27; ^C Luke XX. 27-39. ^a 23 On that day there came { ^b come} unto him ^c certain of the the Sadducees, they that { ^b who} say there is no resurrection [As to the Sadducees, see p. 71. We may regard their attitude toward Christ as expressed by their leader Caiaphas, see p. 528]; and they asked him, saying, 19 Teacher, Moses wrote unto us [See Deut. xxv. 5,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The King on his Throne.
"Crown Him with many crowns, The King upon His Throne." When the time came for our Blessed Lord to return into Heaven again, He ascended in the presence of His Apostles, whilst in the act of blessing them; "and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts i. 9). And, we are told, they "returned to Jerusalem with great joy" (S. Luke xxiv. 52), not sorrowing as before at His being taken from them. And when we consider what His Ascension implied, we can see that they had good reason for their joy.
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

The Barren Fig-Tree;
OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHOWING, THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED; THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. BY JOHN BUNYAN 'Who being dead, yet speaketh.'--Hebrews 11:4 London: Printed for J. Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1688. This Title has a broad Black Border. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn, searching, awful treatise, was published by Bunyan in 1682; but does not appear
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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