15 Mark 12:13; Luke 20:20.
16 The Herodians were a set of men peculiarly attached to Herod, and
consequently zealous for the interest of the Roman government, which was
the main support of the dignity and royalty of his family. Thou regardest
not the person of men - Thou favourest no man for his riches or greatness.
17 Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar? - If he had said, Yes, the
Pharisees would have accused him to the people, as a betrayer of the liberties
of his country. If he had said, No, the Herodians would have accused him
to the Roman governor.
18 Ye hypocrites - Pretending a scruple of conscience.
20 The tribute money - A Roman coin, stamped with the head of Cesar,
which was usually paid in tribute.
21 They say to him, Cesar's - Plainly acknowledging, by their having
received his coin, that they were under his government. And indeed this
is a standing rule. The current coin of every nation shows who is the supreme
governor of it. Render therefore, ye Pharisees, to Cesar the things which
ye yourselves acknowledge to be Cesar's: and, ye Herodians, while ye are
zealous for Cesar, see that ye render to God the things that are God's.
