Matthew 22:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When they inquired of Him, “Whose likeness is this?” and He replied, “Caesar’s,” He instructed them, “Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.” To render tribute is not merely to give, but to acknowledge rights; to support this, He references the likeness and the inscription. To prevent them from claiming that they were being subjected to human authorities, He further declared, “But the things of God to God.” We are to bestow recognition upon humanity where it is due, and dedicate to God what is rightfully His. Consequently, Paul emphasizes, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are due; revenue to whom revenue is due; respect to whom respect is owed; honor to whom honor is owed” (Rom. 13:7).

The Herodians can refer to either the soldiers of Herod or individuals who believed Herod to be the prophesied Messiah. During the time when the prince of Judah fell into poverty and Herod ascended to power, some held the view that he was indeed the Messiah. It is with these individuals that the followers of the Pharisees come together to entrap Christ. They engage Him in conversation, intending to flatter and soften Him with compliments, in hopes that He would concede to their words and declare, ‘It is not appropriate to pay taxes,’ so that they could accuse Him as a rebel stirring the populace against Caesar. This is why they also included the Herodians, who remained faithful to the king’s rule.

To demonstrate that His teachings transcend worldly matters and that His desire is to save humanity, He proclaims, "give to Caesar...Caesar's things, and what you owe to God, give to Him."

During the time of Caesar, we do not observe an expression of Augustus Caesar but rather that of his stepson Tiberius, the ruler who witnessed the suffering of our Lord. All Roman emperors, beginning with the initial Caius Caesar who took control of the empire, were referred to as Caesars. His directive to "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's" signifies the tribute owed in monetary form, while the call to give to God highlights the importance of tithes, first fruits, offerings, and sacrifices. Furthermore, He Himself paid taxes both for Himself and for Peter, as recorded in Matthew 17:24-27, fulfilling God's requirements and executing the will of the Father as stated in John 6:38.

He instructed them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Since these items are attributed to Caesar, it is appropriate to offer to him what is his. He did not merely advise to “give,” but rather emphasized that we should provide what rightfully belongs to him. To dispel the idea that they were wholly subjecting themselves to human authority instead of divine, He added that we can fulfill our obligations to both men and God; we owe them tribute and to God reverence along with adherence to His commandments. Caesar can be compared to the adversary, who rules over this world and to whom we are obliged to pay our dues, that is, our passions and all forms of evil in general.

Did any events of this nature occur during the reign of Constans? Which bishops faced imprisonment? Did he ever find himself at the center of ecclesiastical judgment? Which of the king's advisors forced him to endorse any accusations, as Valentus claims? I urge you to remember your humanity, to be mindful of the day of reckoning, and to maintain your purity for that day. Refrain from involving yourself in matters that are fundamentally ecclesiastical, and do not impose directives upon us; instead, be open to our guidance. The Lord has entrusted you with the governance of the kingdom, while we are charged with the stewardship of the Church.

If there exists anything essential within our being that leads us astray or serves as a tempting idol, resulting from our negligence, it is pleasing to the Lord that we should surrender it all to the instigator and supporter of wrongdoing. Conversely, if we find any trace of virtue within ourselves—any indication of integrity, sobriety, or wisdom—we ought to recognize and affirm that these are gifts from God, deserving of our heartfelt praise. As the Lord instructs, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's."

The likeness of God is not found in precious metals, but rather shines through humanity. While Caesar's currency is made of gold, God's currency consists of people. Caesar is manifested in his coins, but God is revealed through individuals. Therefore, render to Caesar what is his, but keep your conscience pure for God, where humanity contemplates the Divine. The likeness of Caesar is crafted by human hands, and its inscription can fade away. In contrast, God's image in humanity is etched by His Divine hand through ten living truths. What are these truths? They comprise five physical and five spiritual insights, through which we grasp what is beneficial for humanity as the reflection of God.

THEY RESPONDED TO HIM, ‘CAESAR'S.’ The Lord addressed their challenging inquiry in the most straightforward manner: HE SAID TO THEM, ‘RENDER THEREFORE UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS THAT ARE CAESAR'S, AND UNTO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD'S.’ They questioned whether it was permissible to pay. He corrects them by emphasizing: give, give back. The act of paying tribute is not an act of charity but rather a return of what is owed; it is a legal obligation, a necessity. Your rabbis often state, ‘whose coin is the coin, whose kingdom is the kingdom.’ And to prevent them from claiming that He subjects them to human authority, He further clarifies: And the things of God to God. It is essential to give to humans what is owed to them and to God what we are indebted to Him.

Upon examining the coin, He returned it and inquired, "Whose likeness and inscription does this bear?" Confused by His question, those who were testing Him replied, "Caesar’s." Jesus then said, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." By fulfilling your obligations to Caesar, you do not breach your responsibilities to God, for you must also provide God with what He asks of you. According to the teachings of Jesus Christ, God requires us to love Him and our neighbors; we are called to love one another as ourselves, to extend love even to our adversaries, to assist those in need, and to act selflessly—possibly even sacrificing for others if required. These requirements do not contradict our duty to obey governmental authorities. Jesus affirmed, "My Kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36), and "The Kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). This Kingdom pertains to the souls of those who believe in God and strive to do His will.

However, there exist other kingdoms in the world, which consist of distinct communities or nations, each directed by its own authority and safeguarding the rights and dignity of its inhabitants. Such communities are essential; only savages in remote areas could survive outside them. This is why Jesus Christ did not rise against these institutions or express disdain for state authority. It is possible to be a subject of a benevolent government while being devoid of faith, consumed only by self-love and animosity towards others; conversely, one may dwell under a tyrant like Nero and yet wholly belong to God’s Kingdom, faithfully living according to His commandments. The principle articulated by Jesus with "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s," was unfamiliar in the ancient world; there, every ruler claimed spiritual authority, intruding into the inner sanctums of the human soul, where each monarch often functioned as a high priest of their people's pagan deities, enacting state policies as divine will. Laws purported to be decrees from the gods were immutable except by their permissions, leading such nations into stagnation and inertia. In contrast, Christian nations, which embrace the mandate "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's," have advanced beyond those societies that conflate these two distinct realms.

Jesus summarized His teaching about the Kingdom of God with the words, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." If we attempt to synthesize what has been articulated about His Kingdom, we recognize that Jesus Christ instructed us on how to live on earth to attain everlasting joy in Heaven. Those who orient their lives to align with God's will, as He declared, and who adhere to this will as a sovereign mandate constitute the Kingdom of God. Established by Christ, this Kingdom will endure until the end of days when the Kingdom of Heaven is realized. Initially humble, consisting of merely eleven apostles and a few followers, it was designed to flourish, growing into a mighty tree akin to a mustard seed.

The Kingdom of God, or the Church, transcends spatial limitations; it is unconfined by earthly borders, existing wherever there is love for God and neighbor, where God’s will is executed, where God reigns—in the very soul of humanity. The kingdom of God is within you. In contrast, earthly kingdoms, communities governed by their authorities, compel adherence to their laws under threat of punishment, seeking only outward compliance without touching the soul's hidden emotions. Therefore, a citizen of such worldly kingdoms may be compelled by external necessity. In the Kingdom of God, however, the fundamental law binding those who wish to enter is love for God; thus, entry into this Kingdom is only possible through heartfelt love. While the vanquished can be forced into submission to a conqueror, no one can be coerced into God's Kingdom.

Christ desired to draw all into the Kingdom He established, to make humanity happy on earth, and thereby blessed in the hereafter; however, He understood that such transformation necessitated a change of heart. He taught that true happiness springs not from self-love, revenge, or oppression but from devotion to God and love for our neighbors, repaying evil with goodness and being willing to suffer for the benefit of others when needed. In contrasting the Kingdom of God with the prevailing evil of the world, Christ opted not to confront force with force, evil with evil, considering that to confront social injustices while leaving the nation's heart unchanged would not eradicate violence, oppression, or suffering. Consequently, He refrained from meddling in the political matters of the Roman Empire, closely observing the malevolence surrounding Him. Yet, He recognized that such evils could only be vanquished not through force but through love and goodness. He knew that hearts renewed by love for God and neighbor would ultimately reshape societal conditions, eradicating injustice, tyranny, and any form of violence.

It is, therefore, necessary for anyone desiring to enter the Kingdom of God to love God. For instance, when we love our spouse, parents, or children, we endeavor to fulfill their wishes, and when we do so voluntarily, it resembles the satisfaction derived from fulfilling our own desires. So too, loving God will yield profound moral fulfillment when we do God's will, aligning our desires with His. If refusing a beloved’s legitimate desire pains our heart, a person who loves God but acts contrary to His will must feel moral distress upon recognizing their wrongdoing. In essence, love for God obliges us to execute His will. But what exactly is this divine will? Is it feasible and attainable? What does God require of those who love Him? He demands nothing for Himself; rather, His commands to us pertain to our conduct: "Love your neighbor as yourself!" and "As you would have men do to you, so do also to them" (Matthew 7:12).

The demands of worldly governments can heap unbearable burdens upon individuals, creating a heavy yoke, and often serve no meaningful purpose. However, the burden God's commandment imposes is light, for its essence is good (Matthew 11:30) for all, and therefore becomes beneficial for ourselves reciprocally. What, then, is the substance of God's law? It is that we treat others as we wish to be treated.

Is this requirement excessively burdensome or difficult to uphold? Have you not felt pain in your heart upon realizing that many, even those dear to you, harbor animosity toward you, unashamedly showing their disdain? You may have condemned their coldness, but have you examined your own heart? Do you genuinely love all people, especially those close to you? For even in your frustration, you may express anger toward individuals who are not always at fault. If you desire everyone to love you, show love in return; a loving heart will always resonate with others in kind. Have you felt sorrowful or despondent when you needed assistance but were turned away? Consider how disheartening, how heavy, it is to face indifference. Therefore, do not hesitate to assist those in need; if you cannot provide as much as you wish, offer what you can, even if it is just a cup of water to the thirsty.

Furthermore, as you help others, refrain from seeking recognition or boasting of your good deeds. Understand that ingratitude often arises against those who flaunt their acts of kindness, reminding recipients of their charity. Ensure your aid is given discreetly and without reproach to those whom you assist, and you will have reason to hope that they will offer you the same support in your time of need. Cultivate love not only for your friends but even for your enemies; pray for them, imploring the Lord to soften their hearts. Assist them as well, believing that your forgiving love towards those who oppose you will lead to their reconciliation and affection for you.

Do you feel anger or resentment when you are criticized for your mistakes, or feel condemned for indiscretions? Reflect—are you free of faults yourself, blameless in this regard? Judge not, and you shall not be judged. When someone invokes condemnation, it is often a reflection of the judgment they themselves deserve. Seek self-examination, repent from your sins, correct your path, and only then will you possess insight on how to guide others.

You react with distress when dishonesty or betrayal occurs in your trust. Yet, are you without fault in this regard? Strive for purity within yourself; avoid infidelity, abstain from lustful thoughts directed towards another, and then you will be justified in feeling affronted should you be betrayed.

Likewise, you would prefer that others respect your boundaries and not harm you. But think back to your reactions when wronged; did you not yearn for revenge? Envision the anguish if every wrong done to you was returned in kind. Therefore, neither seek retaliation nor harbor anger; possess a gentle spirit, holding no malice even in your gaze. If someone wrongs you, offer forgiveness; believe that acts of generosity will defuse their hostility. Should you realize you have wronged someone, immediately seek reconciliation, assuring yourself that forgiveness will follow if the intent is genuine.

As a general principle, treat others as you wish to be treated. This indeed is the charge upon those entering the Kingdom of God, where Love and Goodness prevail. In calling forth all those burdened and weary, promising peace, Christ proclaimed: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

Yet, some dispute this interpretation of Christ’s commandments, claiming that obedience to God's will necessitates a total renunciation of worldly pleasures. However, this contention lacks foundation in the revelations of the Old Testament or the teachings of Jesus. When God ordained, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28), it is clear that existing within the world and reaping its benefits is not contrary to God's intentions but rather aligns with His divine plan.

Christ did not advocate for a rejection of worldly existence; rather, He once instructed His followers: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). This verse causes confusion for many, leading some to misconstrue Him as demanding the cancellation of personal desires, focusing solely on the needs of others. Some go as far as to preach asceticism, retreating from society entirely. Yet, they overlook that Christ never condemned the enjoyment of Earth's resources as gifts from God. He simply required that we not treat these gifts as our sole possessions, but rather acknowledge their divine origin and see ourselves as stewards, accountable to our Master.

The rich man in the parable (Luke 12:16-21) was not condemned for storing his bountiful harvest but for perceiving himself as its sole master, disregarding its purpose as a divine provision. Had he regarded his abundant harvest as God's property to manage in line with God's desires, he would not have faced condemnation. Similarly, the rich man condemned in the parable of Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) was not judged for possessing wealth but for neglecting to share it according to God's will, seeing it only for his selfish gain. Likewise, the unfaithful vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16) drew condemnation not for utilizing the produce entrusted to them but for withholding the fruits due to their Master, wishing to appropriate them for themselves. Thus, using earthly possessions is not condemned by Christ, provided it aligns with the vital commandment to love our neighbors.

Roman coins displayed the likeness of the ruling emperor on one side, accompanied by his name on the other. He posed the question not out of ignorance, but to challenge them using their own words. When they replied, “Caesar's,” to His query, “Whose image and inscription are these?” He responded, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” To pay tribute involves recognizing one’s obligations rather than merely giving; He emphasizes this by referencing the image and the inscription. To prevent them from claiming that He subjugates them to earthly authorities, He adds, “and the things of God to God.” It is essential to render to men what is rightfully theirs and to fulfill our duties to God.