Luke 20:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"

NIV: Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

NASB: Is it permissible for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?'

CSB: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

NLT: Now tell us — is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?'

KJV: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

NKJV: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Luke chapter 20 contains several altercations about authority. First, representatives of Jerusalem's leadership asked Jesus who gave Him authority to clear the Temple Mount of vendors and money changers (Luke 19:45–46). Jesus countered by forcing them to define their sense of "authority." He did this by asking if they believed John the Baptist acted under the authority of God. If they said no, the crowd would turn against them. If they said yes, they would have proven themselves hypocrites who deny John's claim that Jesus has the authority of God. Faced with an impossible choice, they gave an evasive, dishonest answer and retreated (Luke 20:1–8).

Jesus followed this with the parable of the wicked tenants (Luke 20:9–18). The story implied that God gave the religious leaders authority, but they rebelled to the point of beating His prophets and killing His Son. Soon, God will destroy them and give their authority to others.

The scribes and chief priests know Jesus is talking about them, so they try to trick Jesus into assuming authority over Caesar and the Roman law. Should Jews recognize the authority of Rome by paying the census tax? If Jesus says yes, it sounds like He is against the idea of a free Israel. He will lose the loyalty of the people. If He says no, He is breaking the Roman law and can be arrested (Luke 20:19–21).

Jesus explains that this is a false choice. Roman taxes and worship of God are not mutually exclusive. The Jews owe the Romans the tax because Rome is their civil authority. But they also owe God their worship and obedience. They need to pay both debts (Luke 20:23–25).

Luke 20:19–26 continues a long discussion about authority. Chief priests and Old Testament lawyers try to force Jesus into a difficult choice: follow unpopular Roman law or show rebellious loyalty to the Jewish nation. If the trap succeeds, either Jesus' disciples will reject His authority or the Romans will arrest Him. Jesus disarms the trap by pointing out that the people are responsible for following both principles. Next, the Sadducees challenge His authority on doctrinal matters but fail so miserably Jesus' attackers withdraw (Luke 20:27–40). This interaction is also recorded in Matthew 22:15–22 and Mark 12:13–17.

After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus find Himself in conflict with the city's religious leaders. Elders, priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees all attempt to discredit Him. This comes mostly in challenging Jesus with trick questions. Jesus deftly handles those challenges without falling into the trap. He provides several teachings about His role as the Son of God and directly warns the Jewish people against their generation of scribes, who are arrogant and pretentious.

Luke 20 is a chiasm about authority. Jesus has entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (Luke 19:28–46). Now, the priests and teachers attack Jesus' authority in religion, law, and doctrine; Jesus defends Himself and shows their sinful lifestyles disqualify them for authority. After holding up a widow as a better role model (Luke 21:1–4), Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges they will face in the coming years, including the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:5–38). The events in Luke 20 are also discussed in Matthew 21—23 and Mark 11—12.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.