Mark 12:15

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 12:15

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 12:15

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 12:13-17

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

The tribute money. Unable to take him with their wicked hands, because they dared not, they send selected men from the Pharisees and the Herodians. They have instructions to lay a trap with a view "to catch him in talk." "In vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird." But these blind catchers thought him to be blind also. In specious words they ply him with a question relating to an oppressive tax. "If he held that payment should be refused, he would compromise himself with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

The dialectic of Jesus. I. DISHONEST SUBTLETY MATCHED BY CLEARSIGHTED WISDOM . We must be, if possible, "wise as serpents," but, above all, honest in purpose. It is the false tongue that stammers, and the fox-like cunning that entraps itself. II. VERBAL TRUTH MAY CONCEAL HEART FALSEHOOD . They spoke most truly to Jesus about himself, and yet most untruly. So of all words designed to flatter and deceive. There may be a divorce between the tongue and the heart. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:13-17

Parallel passages: Matthew 22:15-22 ; Luke 20:20-36 .— Question of the tribute money. I. A SNARE LAID . This tribute money ( κῆνσος )was the poll or capitation tax payable to the Roman Government, from the time Judaea became subject to the Roman power. Judas of Galilee headed a revolt against this tax, but perished with his followers. If our Lord allowed the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar, it would have compromised him with the Jewish nationalists, who would not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:15

"Bring me a penny." I. CHRIST WILL HAVE ACCOUNT OF THE SMALLEST THINGS . The denarius was a small coin in common use. The spirit of Christ, sun-like, discovers even the "motes." In all things there is duty. Christ's attitude to the Law not only general but particular. "Not one jot or tittle" was to pass away unfulfilled because of the influence of Christianity. "Ye are my disciples, if ye do whatsoever I have commanded you." We shall have to give account of smallest... read more

Group of Brands