Matthew 17:24

§ 78. MIRACLE OF COIN IN THE FISH’S MOUTH, Matthew 17:24-27 .

24. They… tribute money Not the Roman tax-gatherers, for they would not have proposed the payment as a matter of question. This tribute money was a contribution of the Jews to the maintenance of the temple services. It was enjoined by God, through Moses, (Exodus 30:11-16,) and amounted (Exodus 38:26) to a bekah, or half a shekel. Doth not your master pay the didrachms? is the question in the Greek. From which it appears that the Greek didrachm or double drachm was equivalent to a bekah or half shekel. That is, four drachms made a shekel. See note on Matthew 17:27. Came to Peter Their awe of our Lord did not permit them to approach him with the matter.