Ep 214: Jesus Taxes the Fish | Matthew 17:24-27

In this episode I explore Matthew 17:24-27, in which Peter is asked if Jesus pays the temple tax. After talking to Peter about this question, Jesus says the sons of kings are exempt from taxes, but “so that we do not offend them” Peter is to catch a fish with a coin in its mouth and pay the tax anyway. We explore the literary and historical context of this passage, showing that Matthew uses it to develop Jesus’ messianic identity. This passage corresponds to Jeremiah 29:7, where Jeremiah tells the Babylonian exiles to seek the welfare of the city before describing Babylon’s ultimate destruction. God’s people should seek to live at peace with their neighbors knowing that God will come back and rescue them in the end. I then explore how the themes of not giving offense and seeking the welfare of neighbors are found in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2, discussing our obligation to seek peace knowing that God will one day do away with these unjust systems. 

Media Referenced:

Everyone is Wrong About Romans: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/

Romans 13 Revisited: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-210-revisiting-romans-13/

1 Peter 2 Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-121-submit-to-the-authorities-1-peter-213-17/

1 Peter 2 Article: https://libertarianchristians.com/2024/11/26/submit-to-the-authorities/

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

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