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NASB | Matthew 17:24 ¶ When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?" |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 17:24 ¶ When they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel [temple tax] went up to Peter and said, "Does not your teacher pay the half-shekel?" [Ex 30:13; 38:26] |
Bible Question:
Mat 17:24 they talk about the temple tax. What is this tax and why do the people have to pay it. And why do you think did Jesus not give them the revilation that "sons are free" but rather paid the tax not to offend them. Thanks |
Bible Answer: Hi Louw, In answer to your question, C.H. Spurgeon in his Commentary on Matthew had this to say: "The half-shekel tribute was a religious payment, based originally on law, but enlarged by a custom which had no support in Scripture. It was ordained by the divine law to be paid for each person to the Lord when the people were counted. From this redemption money there was no exemption; but it was not a tax levied year by year. It had gradually grown into a fashion among professedly religious people to pay this “tribute money” every year; but the payment was entirely optional. Thus, it was established by custom, but it had not been appointed by law, and could not be enforced by it. It was a voluntary annual gift, and only persons who were professed devotees of the Jewish religion would pay it. Such religionists as these would be very particular, not only to pay the annual tribute, but to have it known that they paid it. The collectors of half-shekels did not apply at once to Jesus, of whom, it may be, they stood in salutary awe; but they addressed Peter with the somewhat ensnaring question, “Doth not your master pay tribute? “As much as to say, “Surely he does so: we would not suspect him of neglecting to do so. A person of such eminence cannot fail to be peculiarly exact as to this customary fee." I hope this helps, BradK |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Matt 17:24 | Author | ||
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Louw | ||
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BradK | ||
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Michael Draves | ||
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DEACON ERVIN |