Matthew 22:17
Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)
Maar sê vir ons: Is dit reg om aan die keiser belasting te betaal of nie?”
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Matthew's Gospel, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus by asking if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. They hope that his answer will either upset the Romans or the Jewish people.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game and your friends ask you if it's okay to share your toys with someone you don't really like. You have to be careful about what you say so they can’t use your answer against you!
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this around 80-90 AD for Jewish Christians. The setting is a time of tension between the Roman rulers and Jewish people, where paying taxes was seen as showing loyalty to Rome rather than God.
Living It Out Today
Think about a situation at work or in your community where you might be asked to do something that feels like compromising your values. How can you respond with integrity without getting trapped?
Topics
authoritytaxesintegritywisdomtrapsloyalty
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Pharisees asking Jesus this question?
The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus. If he said it was lawful, they could accuse him of disloyalty to God; if not, they would report him to the Roman authorities.
What was the cultural significance of paying taxes in that time?
Paying taxes to Rome was seen as a sign of loyalty to Caesar rather than to God. This made it a very sensitive issue for Jews who wanted to remain faithful only to their own beliefs.
How can we apply this verse in our modern lives?
We can use the wisdom Jesus shows here to navigate tricky situations where we might feel pressured to compromise on what we believe is right or moral.
What does Matthew 22:17 tell us about integrity?
It teaches that maintaining your integrity requires careful thought and not simply reacting. Jesus responded in a way that honored both his faith and the law of the land.