Matthew 17:24-27

Christian Standard Bible

Paying the Temple Tax

²⁴ When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” ^(A)

²⁵ “Yes,” he said.

When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first,^[a] “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?”^[b](B)

²⁶ “From strangers,” he said.^[c]

“Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. ²⁷ “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin.^[d] Take it and give it to them for me and you.”^(C)