Topical Bible: Fish: Miracles Connected With: Coin Obtained from Mouth of

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The miracle of the coin obtained from the mouth of a fish is a unique event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This miracle is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over creation and His provision for the needs of His followers.

Biblical Account:

The account of this miracle is found in Matthew 17:24-27. The passage describes an incident where tax collectors approached Peter to inquire whether Jesus paid the two-drachma temple tax. Peter affirmed that Jesus did pay the tax, but when he entered the house, Jesus preemptively addressed the issue with him.

Jesus asked Peter, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" (Matthew 17:25). Peter answered, "From others," to which Jesus replied, "Then the sons are exempt" (Matthew 17:26). Here, Jesus was illustrating that, as the Son of God, He was not obligated to pay the temple tax, which was meant for the maintenance of His Father's house.

However, to avoid causing offense, Jesus instructed Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish he caught. Jesus told him, "Open its mouth, and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours" (Matthew 17:27). This miracle not only provided the necessary tax payment but also underscored Jesus' omniscience and sovereignty over nature.

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Authority and Provision: This miracle highlights Jesus' authority over creation. By directing Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish, Jesus demonstrated His control over the natural world and His ability to provide for the needs of His followers in unexpected ways.

2. Sonship and Exemption: Jesus' conversation with Peter about the exemption of sons from taxes underscores His identity as the Son of God. While He was not obligated to pay the temple tax, His willingness to do so reflects His humility and desire to avoid unnecessary offense.

3. Faith and Obedience: Peter's role in this miracle required faith and obedience. He followed Jesus' instructions without question, trusting in the miraculous provision that Jesus promised. This act of faith serves as an example for believers to trust in God's provision and guidance.

4. Avoidance of Offense: Jesus' decision to pay the tax, despite His exemption, illustrates the importance of living peaceably and avoiding unnecessary conflict. This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture, where believers are encouraged to live in harmony with others and to be mindful of their witness.

In summary, the miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth is a testament to Jesus' divine nature, His provision for His followers, and His wisdom in navigating societal obligations. This event invites believers to trust in God's provision and to live in a manner that reflects His character.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 17:27
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go you to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money: that take, and give to them for me and you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... rewarded the Jew, for, when the fish was opened ... Capernaum itself, immediately after
the scene connected with the ... to teach, to preach, to work miracles, nor to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a coin of Byblos in the Cabinet ... Like tunnies, like fish
just caught ... abide by the advice of Athens in everything connected with the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... by supernatural circumstances, and the miracles which accompanied ... by Faucher-Gudin,
from a coin of King ... by supporting columns which are connected by circular ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... and then introduced water into this cavity through its mouth, apportioning the ... Man
we are taught another doctrine also, which is intimately connected with our ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... of the Son of God not by the miracles alone which ... are clearly taught by Holy Scripture,
by the mouth of great ... of his controversy with us is connected with the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... by all the sects which had been connected with the ... to the apostles, who had the power
to work miracles. ... question: for that the elect only obtained eternal life ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part i
... Faith in God's existence is closely connected with faith in ... just after waking up,
like a fish, which sometimes ... of Christ do not perform any miracles, until I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Some love no cheese, some love no fish, and some Love not ... was here, he was fool in
every man's mouth, yet, now ... of forgiveness; by deed, in the way I obtained it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm