Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.… I. Notice the CLAIMS OF CAESAR, OR CIVIL GOVERNMENTS. The just claims of civil governments are limited to civil exactions, in opposition to religious or sacred claims. Civil governments rightly demand — 1. Homage and subjection (Romans 13:1, etc.; 1 Peter 2:13, etc.). 2. Obedience, and tribute, or taxes. Christ did this (Matthew 17:27; Titus 3:1). 3. Thanksgiving and prayer to God on their behalf (1 Timothy 2:17, etc.). There are the claims of Caesar and civil governments. But civil governments may demand more than their rights; if they do so, they will be either in matters civil or ecclesiastical; if they levy unjust civil exactions, then, as citizens, they may be peacefully, yet firmly, resisted. This has been repeatedly done. By the three Hebrews, Daniel, Peter, and the apostles (Acts 4:18). II. THE CLAIMS OF GOD. We are to render to God — 1. Religious belief and homage. 2. Religious awe and fear. "Fear before Him all the earth" (Psalm 96:4, 9). 3. Praise and thanksgiving. 4. Our highest love and delight. 5. Universal obedience.Learn — 1. That the Christian religion is favourable to order and obedience, but it limits the authority of the State to civil concerns. 2. It distinctly exhibits true liberty of conscience. Should not this be dear and sacred to every good man, especially when sanctioned by the spirit of our text? (J. Burns, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.WEB: Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. |
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