The Question about Paying Taxes

Matthew 22

Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees, going out, took counsel as to how they might entrap him in speech.

Matthew 22:16 And they sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying: “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and that you teach the way of God in truth, and that the influence of others is nothing to you. For you do not consider the reputation of men.

Matthew 22:17 Therefore, tell us, how does it seem to you? Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar, or not?”

Matthew 22:18 But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

Matthew 22:19 Show me the coin of the census tax.” And they offered him a denarius.

Matthew 22:20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?”

Matthew 22:21 They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Then render to Caesar what is of Caesar; and to God what is of God.”

Matthew 22:22 And hearing this, they wondered. And having left him behind, they went away.