Meaning of Matthew 22:21

This verse, spoken by Jesus in response to a cleverly designed question from the Pharisees and Herodians, establishes a fundamental principle for understanding the relationship between earthly authority and divine allegiance. The questioners, aiming to trap Jesus into either contradicting Roman rule or alienating Jewish nationalism, asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus, by asking for a coin used for taxation and then pointing to Caesar's image and inscription on it, shrewdly identified it as belonging to Caesar's domain. His subsequent pronouncement, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," neatly sidesteps their trap by affirming both the legitimacy of civil governance and the ultimate sovereignty of God. This statement implies that while human rulers have their sphere of authority, this authority is subordinate to and derived from God. Therefore, rendering unto Caesar what is rightfully his does not negate or diminish the primary obligation of a believer to render unto God that which belongs to Him, which is the entirety of one's being and devotion.

Context and Background

The political climate in Judea during Jesus' ministry was fraught with tension. The Roman Empire held significant power, imposing its rule and collecting taxes. The act of paying taxes, particularly the denarius bearing Caesar's image, was a constant reminder of this foreign dominion. For many Jews, this was a source of resentment, as they believed their loyalty should be solely to God. The Pharisees, generally opposing Roman rule, and the Herodians, who supported it for political stability, united in this endeavor to ensnare Jesus. They presented him with a dilemma: if he said it was not lawful to pay taxes, he would be seen as a rebel against Rome, providing grounds for his arrest by the authorities. If he said it was lawful, he would alienate many of his Jewish followers who viewed such payments as a sign of submission to an idolatrous power.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the dual citizenship of believers. Jesus articulates a framework for navigating loyalty in a world where earthly powers exist.

• Distinction between Spheres: There is a clear delineation between the responsibilities owed to temporal authorities and those owed to God.
• Subordination of Earthly Authority: While Caesar has his rights, they are not absolute. They are contextualized within God's ultimate authority.
• Theological Principle: The verse points to the inherent divine ownership of all things, including the image and authority of earthly rulers. Humans, created in God's image, are ultimately God's property.
• Wisdom and Discernment: Jesus demonstrates remarkable wisdom in answering a loaded question without compromising truth or alienating his audience unnecessarily.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound spiritual implications for how believers live in society. It calls for:

• Responsible Citizenship: Christians are to be law-abiding citizens, respecting and supporting the legitimate functions of government, including paying taxes. This is seen as a part of living peaceably within the community.
• Prioritizing God: The ultimate allegiance of a believer is to God. This means dedicating one's life, actions, and worship to Him above all else.
• Ethical Living: The distinction encourages a life of integrity, where one's actions are aligned with both civil law and divine commandments.
• Discernment in Compromise: It provides a principle for discerning when and how to engage with secular systems without compromising core spiritual convictions.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of rendering unto God what is God's is woven throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament's emphasis on covenantal obedience and the prohibition of idolatry, to the New Testament's call for believers to be salt and light in the world, the principle of prioritizing God's will is paramount. Jesus' teaching here aligns with the Great Commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38). It also foreshadows the early church's navigation of Roman authority, often facing persecution but maintaining fidelity to Christ. The idea that earthly rulers operate under a divine mandate, even if they are unaware of it, is consistent with biblical theology, as seen in passages like Daniel 2:21.

Analogies

One helpful analogy is that of a citizen of two kingdoms. A person can be a citizen of their earthly nation and simultaneously a citizen of the Kingdom of God. They fulfill their civic duties within the earthly kingdom (paying taxes, obeying laws) while recognizing that their ultimate citizenship and loyalty lie with God's eternal kingdom. Another analogy is a family household. Within a family, there are roles and responsibilities to parents (earthly authority) and to each other. However, the ultimate authority and love reside with the foundational principles of the family, and ultimately, with the divine principles that should guide it.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 13:1-7: Paul directly addresses the issue of submitting to governing authorities, stating that they are instituted by God and that paying taxes is a rightful obligation. This passage strongly supports the "give to Caesar" aspect of Jesus' teaching.
• 1 Peter 2:13-17: Peter echoes similar sentiments, urging believers to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority," while also emphasizing that they are "slaves of God."
• Matthew 6:24: Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon." This reinforces the idea that while one can fulfill civic duties, ultimate devotion must be to God.
• Acts 5:29: When commanded by religious authorities not to speak or teach in Jesus' name, Peter and the apostles famously replied, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" This highlights the ultimate priority of God's commands when they conflict with human decrees.