Mark 12:13-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

When the enemies of Christ, who thirsted for his blood, could not find occasion against him from what he said against them, they tried to ensnare him by putting questions to him. Here we have him tempted, or attempted rather, with a question about the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar. We had this narrative, Matt. 22:15. I. The persons they employed were the Pharisees and the Herodians, men that in this matter were contrary to one another, and yet concurred against Christ, Mark 12:13. The... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 12:13-17

12:13-17 They sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and Herodians to try to trap him in his speech. They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are genuine, and that you do not allow yourself to be influenced by anyone, for you are no respecter of persons, and you teach the way of God in truth. Is it right to pay tax to Caesar? Or not? Are we to pay? Or, are we not to pay?" Jesus knew well that they were acting a part. "Why are you trying to test me?" he said, "Bring me a denarius and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 12:13

And they send unto him ,.... That is, the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, who had been with Jesus in the temple, and were silenced by his reasonings, and provoked by his parables; and therefore left him, and went together to consult what methods they should take to get him into their hands, and be revenged on him; the result of which was, they send to him certain of the Pharisees . The Syriac and Persic versions read "Scribes", who were the more skillful and learned part of that body... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 12:14

And when they were come ,.... Unto Jesus in the temple: they said unto him, master ; they saluted him in like manner, as they did their doctors and Rabbins, calling him "Rabbi", though they were not his disciples; but one part of them were the disciples of the Pharisees, and the other had Herod for their master; we know that thou art true ; an honest, sincere, and upright man, and carest for no man, for thou regardest not the person of men ; no, not Caesar himself; but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 12:15

Shall we give, or not give ?.... They not only ask whether it was lawful, but whether also it was advisable to do it, that they might not only accuse him of his principles, but charge him with persuading, or dissuading in this case. These words are left out in the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions: but he knowing their hypocrisy ; expressed in their flattering titles and characters of him, and which lay hid in their secret designs against him; which being thoroughly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 12:13

And they send unto him - See this, and to Mark 12:17 , largely explained on Matthew 22:15-22 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 12:15

Shall we give, or shall we not give? - This is wanting in the Codex Bezae, and in several versions. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-14

St. Matthew ( Matthew 22:15 ) tells us that "the Pharisees took counsel how they might ensnare him ( ὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ) in his talk;" namely, by proposing to him captious and insidious questions, which, in whatever way he might answer them, might expose him to danger. On this occasion they enlisted the Heredians to join them in their attack upon him. These Herodians were a sect of the Jews who supported the house of Herod, and were in favor of giving tribute to the Roman... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

Caesar's due. There could not have been a more decisive proof of the duplicity and hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders than that furnished by this incident. It is certain that they were opposed to the Roman sway, that they nursed in their hearts hopes of Jewish independence, that they would have eagerly welcomed such a Messiah as they looked for—one who should deliver them from the yoke of foreign bondage. Yet, in their malignity, they were ready to denounce Jesus to the Roman governor should... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

The politics of Christianity. Christ, in his visits to the temple, met with the various representatives of religious, ecclesiastical, and political opinion in Palestine. He is the center and touchstone of all. Their very attacks and dishonest questions were so many confessions of his moral and intellectual supremacy. To Christ do the different schools of thought and life amongst men still come, and the problems they raise can never be satisfactorily settled until he solves them. I. A ... read more

Group of Brands