Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.… I. THAT THEY SHOULD HONOURABLY AND FULLY PAY ALL TAXES which are imposed upon them. The advantages of civil government are cosily, and means must be provided by the individuals of the nation. We must not defraud the government, or a neighbour, who will have to make good our default. II. THAT CHRISTIANS SHOULD ACQUIESCE IN THAT FORM OF GOVERNMENT UNDER WHICH THEY LIVE, WHATEVER BE ITS CHARACTER AND ORIGIN. A nation has the right to secure its independence of a foreign nation; a nation has the right to amend its institutions; but the duty alleged is that of individuals. "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." This is God's will. But if human government has its rights, God has His rights. As human governments depend on the authority of God, they must be subordinate to it. His rights are supreme, and the rights of the human government terminate where the rights of God begin. The contrast in "the things which are Caesar's." 1. It is the right of God to demand our worship. 2. General obedience to His laws. 3. That we should maintain that truth which He has revealed, by which He is glorified, and the world is to be blessed. How small a portion all this is of what we owe to God. Admire this feature of the law of Christ, which secures the order of states. Let us he good subjects. (B. W. Noel, M. A.) 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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