ESV Reformation Study Bible – Luke 20:24
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Luke 20:24

20:24 a denarius. Jesus asked for the silver coin that was the proper coinage for paying the tax, roughly equivalent to a day’s wage (15:8 note). It bore an image of the emperor with his titles of honor. There was only one answer to Jesus’ question, and it opened the way for His unexpected reply. Jesus could not be accused of disloyalty to either the Jews or the Romans. He made it clear that there are duties owed to God, but also duties to the state.