Matthew 22:15-22

The Question of Tribute (Mark 12:13 *, Luke 20:20). Note how Mt. (Matthew 22:15) changes Mk.'s indefinite subject into the Pharisees, and so has to change Mk.'s object the Pharisees into their disciples. Lk.'s expansions are interesting. Jesus points out that to pay tribute to Rome was not merely lawful, it was a moral obligation in return for the beneficent experiences of a stable government, it was not a gift (Matthew 22:17) but the rendering (Matthew 22:21) of a debt, and did not compete or clash with men's obligations to God. Mt. rounds off the incident with words used by Mk. (Mark 12:12) after the parable of the vineyard.