Summary
JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. offers two shocking pieces of advice to PeterPeter (also known as Cephas, Simon Peter) was the disciple who denied Jesus during his trial but later became a leader in proclaiming Jesus. regarding the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... tax.
Analysis
When the collectors ask whether Jesus pays the Temple tax, it is unclear whether Peter says “yes” out of truth or embarrassment. We can guess, however, that it was out of embarrassment, since MatthewA tax collector who became one of Jesus' 12 disciples. goes on to point out that Jesus “spoke of it first” and calls Peter by his Hebrew name “Simon” instead of his nickname. The question that Jesus addresses to Peter also hints at his unhappiness with Peter’s response. To understand his point, it is important to know that taxation in the ancient world was often associated with colonial administration. Rather than tax its own citizens, an empire like Rome would conquer a neighboring kingdom and force them to pay taxes. In other words, Jesus calls the Temple tax nonsensical, as it forces those who belong to the Temple “kingdom” to pay its taxes. Jesus offers further surprises. Despite his criticism and despite his adversarial relationship to the Temple authorities, Jesus commands Peter to save face and pay the tax.
