Matthew 17:24-26

New Testament for Everyone

²⁴ They came to Capernaum, where the officials who collected the Temple tax approached Peter.

“Your teacher pays the Temple tax, doesn’t he?” they asked.

²⁵ “Yes,” he replied.

When he came into the house, Jesus spoke first, “What d’you think, Simon? When the kings of the world collect taxes or duties, who do they collect them from? From their own families, or from outsiders?”

²⁶ “From outsiders,” he replied.

“Well then,” said Jesus, “that means the families are free.