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Nice2023:
“Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s” is a well-known quote that appears in Matthew 22:21 and is part of Jesus’ response to a joint attempt by the Herodians and Pharisees to make Jesus stumble in front of His own people.

The Herodians were a non-religious Jewish party who supported the dynasty of Herod and the general policy of the Roman government. They perceived that Christ’s pure and spiritual teaching and influence were antagonistic to their interests. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were members of an ancient Jewish sect who believed in the strict observance of oral traditions and the written Law of Moses. They didn’t believe that Christ was the Messiah, despite His many miracles during His earthly ministry. Although Herodians and Pharisees were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, their common hatred of Christ was enough for them to join forces to try to destroy Him.

Here is the context of Jesus’ command to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”: in Matthew 22 Jesus had just returned to Jerusalem for the final time and recently finished sharing several parables with the crowd. Jesus’ enemies saw an opportunity to put Jesus on the spot in front of His followers. In verse 17, they say to Jesus, “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (ESV). It was a trick question, and they knew it. If Jesus answered, “No,” the Herodians would charge Him with treason against Rome. If He said, “Yes,” the Pharisees would accuse Him of disloyalty to the Jewish nation, and He would lose the support of the crowds. To pay taxes or not to pay taxes? The question was designed as a Catch-22.

Jesus’ response is nothing short of brilliant: “But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius” (Matthew 22:18–19, ESV).

The denarius was a coin used as the tax money at the time. It was made of silver and featured an image of the emperor with an inscription calling him “divine.” The Jews considered such images idolatry, forbidden by the second commandment. This was another reason why, if Jesus answered, “Yes,” He would be in trouble. His acceptance of the tax as “lawful” could have been seen as a rejection of the second commandment, thus casting doubt on His claim to be the Son of God.

With the coin displayed in front of them, Jesus said, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” The Herodians and Pharisees, stating the obvious, said, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus brought an end to their foolish tricks: “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21, ESV). Upon hearing this, Jesus’ enemies marveled and went away (verse 22).

When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” He was drawing a sharp distinction between two kingdoms. There is a kingdom of this world, and Caesar holds power over it. But there is another kingdom, not of this world, and Jesus is King of that (John 18:36). Christians are part of both kingdoms, at least temporarily. Under Caesar, we have certain obligations that involve material things. Under Christ, we have other obligations that involve things eternal. If Caesar demands money, give it to him—it’s only mammon. But make sure you also give God what He demands.

Caesar minted coins, as he had a right to do, and he demanded some coins in return, as was his right. After all, his image was stamped on what he had made. God has “minted” the human soul, and He has stamped His image on every one (Genesis 1:27). So give Caesar his due—the temporary stuff of this world—but make sure to give God His due: “Offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).

Your explanation is interesting. I have a question.
Are Christians to be part of ceasers' world by participating in the political powers of this world?

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ike007:
How do you know he is in heaven or hell?? The Bible told you so right? Okay is it not the same bible that told you that on the last day the living and the dead shall come and be judged...so how come is it that he is in either heaven or hell? Has he been judged or are we in the last day already

Interestingly you have asked a very sensible question.
I would like to show you the answer to the condition of those that have died fom the bible.....here is my WhatsApp number 08167469103

Zetty177x:
What if we depart without going to meet anyone?

It would interest you to know what the Bible says about the condition of those that have died....chat me up on WhatsApp lets discuss.....08167469103

Moneyyman:
I Iost someone I saw as a younger brother on 28.12.2022.

A young man, full of life. He'd discuss plans about his future, share jokes, and talk about his academics. A top student looking to make headway in life.

He died, just like that, in an accident. The only person to die.

Guess what torments me daily?

Did he make heaven?
Is he resting in peace?
I hope he's not in hell!
I pray he's resting well.

This life.
There's nothing to it.

...here today and gone tomorrow. A toss in the ocean, a vapour in the wind...

Make your peace with your creator and try to live as best as you can.

Whether death meets you at a young or old age, try to be ready to leave with a smile.

God is the kindest and fairest judge, but you'll give account of your life.

Live well.
Enjoy life (not the way most people do).
Live for God.
Live well.

It is well.


RIP, bro. It hurts to see your picture knowing you're dead and gone forever.

We'll join you someday, but we'll keep your memory alive.

Hmm...it would interest you to know that the bible has a clear answer to those questions that you've raised above about the condition of your friend.....i would like to show you what the Bible says about those that have died. Chat me up on WhatsApp 08167469103

Keep the comments coming