Matthew 17:25

ναί : this prompt, confident answer may be either an inference from Christ's general bearing, as Peter understood it, or a statement of fact implying past payment. ἐλθόντα ἐ. τ. ὁ. The meeting of the tax collectors with Peter had taken place outside; it had been noticed by Jesus, and the drift of the interview instinctively understood by Him. προέφθασεν, anticipated him, here only in N. T. Peter meant to report, but Jesus spoke first, having something special to say, and a good reason for saying it. In other circumstances He would probably have taken no notice, but left Peter to manage the matter as he pleased. But the Master is aware of something that took place among His disciples on the way home, not yet mentioned by the evangelist but about to be (Matthew 18:1), and to be regarded as the key to the meaning of this incident. The story of what Jesus said to Peter about the temple dues is really the prelude to the discourse following on humility, and that discourse in turn reflects light on the prelude. τί σοι δοκεῖ; phrase often found in Mt. (Matthew 18:12; Matthew 21:28, etc.) with lively colloquial effect: what think you? τέλη ἢ κῆνσον, customs or tribute; the former taxes on wares, the latter a tax on persons = indirect and direct taxation. The question refers specially to the latter. ἀλλοτρίων, foreigners, in reference not to the nation, but to the royal family, who have the privilege of exemption.