Matthew 17:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What was Peter's response to them? He remarked, “To her!” Peter informed the tax collectors that Christ would provide the didrachma; however, he did not directly mention this to Christ, possibly feeling hesitant to broach such topics with Him. Therefore, the gentle and insightful Jesus cautioned him, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth collect taxes or tribute? From their own children, or from outsiders?” When Peter replied, “From outsiders,” Christ responded, “Then the children are free” (vv. 25, 26). To prevent Peter from thinking that He had overheard anything from them, Jesus began by revealing His thoughts on the matter, encouraging Peter, who had hesitated to speak on it earlier.

In His divine nature, although He was not listening in the traditional sense, God was aware of the conversation concerning Peter. Consequently, He cautioned Peter, stating that if earthly rulers do not impose taxes on their own children but rather on outsiders, then how could the Heavenly King seek the didrachma from me, His Son? This didrachma, as previously mentioned, was designated for the temple and the priests.

In a cautionary manner, He addressed Simon, asking, “From whom do the rulers of the earth collect taxes? From their own sons or from foreigners?” The collectors of the temple tax were attempting to find grounds for accusing Him, as they had not enforced this tax uniformly. They reasoned among themselves that if the Teacher refused to pay, they could label Him a dissenter; however, if He complied, He would be treated as an outsider. Although the Levites were considered outsiders, the Lord was their portion, allowing them to be treated as sons without any obligation to pay. Thus, the Lord clarified to Simon, “The scribes and Pharisees are looking for a reason to tempt us, seeking an indictment against you, Simon.

Upon Peter's arrival at the residence, Jesus cautioned him, stating that those who had inquired about the didrachmas spoke to him privately. As Peter entered the home, the Lord preemptively questioned him to prevent the disciples from feeling compelled to request payment of the tribute, demonstrating that He was already aware of the situation, even before Peter could explain it.

What is the didrachma that the Lord requires, and what is the fish that Peter is instructed to catch, from which he is to take the coin and present it to those who request it? The individuals demanding the didrachma represent our inherent desires. They approached Peter, symbolizing the active aspect of the Lord, which embodies humility and obedience to the Father like a disciple, and requested from Him—acting as a human—the tax typically imposed on everyone. Yet the Lord, as the Divine and Sovereign, illustrated through a parable that He was free from such obligations. Nevertheless, because He assumed our mortal form and genuinely took on its pure longings, He consented to pay this natural tax, yet remained without sin.

Before Peter addressed the issue of the didrachma, Christ preemptively enlightened him, demonstrating that He was not reliant on others’ guidance, as He possessed insight not only into spoken words but also unspoken thoughts. Through His actions, He illustrates that as the true Son of God, He is not obligated to render didrachmas to His Heavenly Father, since rulers do not impose taxes on their own children but rather on outsiders. The terms τελος and κησον refer to the same concept, with τελος used by the Greeks and κησον (census) adopted by the Romans.

Is it not evident that royal heirs are exempt from taxes and that the children of the kingdom are liberated from servitude? However, His statement carries profound significance. The people were obligated to pay the didrachma. Now, the law has been transformed to align with the faith that was to be unveiled through Christ. In accordance with the customs of the law, the same didrachma was expected from Christ as it was from any ordinary individual. Yet, to illustrate that He is not subject to the law and to reveal the splendor of His divine heritage, He pointed to the privilege enjoyed by royal offspring, namely, their exemption from tolls and taxes. He is our Redeemer, both of spirit and body.

He responded affirmatively, finding it bothersome and unnecessary to consult the Lord about such a minor yet devout issue as contributions for God's temple. In his rush, he overlooked what he had recently acknowledged—that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son in His Father's house in heaven, not merely a servant in someone else's abode. Therefore, the expectation was not that He would receive but that He would give, as the Son who is united with the Father. Without waiting for Peter to clarify his visit or the responses he gave to those who inquired, the Lord immediately reveals Himself as one who knows the heart.

Peter affirmed the tax collectors' inquiry, confidently believing that Jesus would fulfill the tax obligation, indicating that Jesus had likely paid similar taxes in the past to adhere to the law. Though Jesus did not hear the collectors' question or Peter's response, as He was in another room, He conveyed to Peter and the other disciples through His dialogue that nothing escapes His knowledge as the all-seeing Lord. Upon entering the home where Jesus was present, Peter should have promptly relayed the tax collectors' request. However, Jesus prevented him from speaking, redirecting the conversation with the inquiry: 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do the rulers of the earth collect duties or taxes? From their own children or from others?'

Not wishing to disturb Jesus directly, they turned to the apostle Peter for assistance with their request. True to his straightforward nature, Peter brought this request to the Master, hoping He would provide a solution, as the apostolic treasury was empty. However, the Savior seized this opportunity to impart a profound lesson and reveal an aspect of His divine nature. “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tribute or taxes? From their own children or from others?” The only feasible response was, “from others.” “Then,” Jesus stated, “the children are free.” As the Son of the heavenly King, and you too, being His son in a different sense, are not compelled to pay this tax. Should we choose to pay it, such an act stems not from obligation but rather from a spirit of generosity and goodwill.

From Peter’s affirmative response, despite not having inquired about it, we can infer that the Lord adhered to the customary payment of taxes. When Jesus cautioned him, it is important to note that Simon had not yet discussed these matters with Christ; nonetheless, through His divine understanding, the Lord was already aware of both the inquiry and the response. The phrase “Whether from his sons” refers to the members of the royal household, whereas “from strangers” pertains to those outside of the royal lineage.