New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 22:16

Render Unto Caesar

They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. Matthew 22:16 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 22:16, in plain English

They send their followers along with some supporters of Herod. They start with flattery: 'Teacher, we know You're honest and teach God's truth without caring what anyone thinks.'

Why it's here

These two groups normally hate each other. The only thing uniting them is their desire to trap Jesus.

Who's speaking

An unlikely alliance approaches Jesus with smooth words and a hidden agenda.

Where it sits in the story

When enemies team up to take you down, you know you're threatening the status quo. Their flattery is the setup for a trap.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

The Pharisees send their disciples along with Herodians — an unusual alliance of political enemies united against Jesus — and open with flattery about His truthfulness and impartiality.

Language and setting

The Pharisees opposed Rome; the Herodians supported Herod and Roman authority. Their alliance ensures any answer to the tax question traps Jesus with one side or the other.

Voice

The Pharisees' disciples and Herodians approach Jesus with calculated flattery.

Significance

Political enemies join forces against Jesus, weaponizing flattery as a prelude to a question designed to destroy Him.

In context

Matthew 22:14–18

14For many are called, but few are chosen.”

15Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.

16They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

Read all of Matthew 22 — A wedding banquet, a trick question about taxes, and the greatest commandment — Jesus outmaneuvers every trap set for him.

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