Topical Encyclopedia The term "penny" in the context of the New Testament refers to the Roman denarius, a silver coin that was commonly used during the time of Jesus. The denarius was the standard daily wage for a laborer and is mentioned in several passages of the New Testament, most notably in the context of Jesus' teachings and interactions with the Pharisees and Herodians.Biblical References: One of the most significant references to the Roman penny is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is questioned about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. The Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus in His words, asked Him whether it was lawful to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor. Jesus, perceiving their malice, asked them to show Him the coin used for the tax. They brought Him a denarius, and He asked, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." Jesus then said to them, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:20-21). This response not only demonstrated Jesus' wisdom in avoiding their trap but also highlighted the distinction between earthly and divine obligations. The denarius is also mentioned in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where the landowner agrees to pay the laborers a denarius for a day's work. This parable illustrates the kingdom of heaven and God's grace, emphasizing that the reward of eternal life is not based on the duration or timing of one's labor but on the generosity of God. Historical and Cultural Context: The denarius was a small silver coin that bore the image of the reigning Roman Emperor, along with an inscription. During the time of Jesus, the denarius would have likely featured the image of Tiberius Caesar. The presence of the emperor's image on the coin was a reminder of Roman authority and the political power that governed the region. The use of the denarius in Jesus' teachings and parables reflects the socio-economic realities of first-century Judea under Roman occupation. The coin's imagery and inscription served as a tangible representation of the political and economic systems of the time, which were often at odds with the religious and cultural values of the Jewish people. Theological Implications: The account of Jesus and the Roman penny carries significant theological implications. By instructing His followers to "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," Jesus affirmed the legitimacy of secular authority while simultaneously asserting the supremacy of divine authority. This teaching underscores the Christian responsibility to respect and fulfill civic duties without compromising one's ultimate allegiance to God. Furthermore, the denarius serves as a symbol of the temporal nature of earthly power and wealth. In contrast to the eternal kingdom of God, represented by the spiritual truths Jesus proclaimed, the Roman penny is a reminder of the transient and often corruptible nature of human institutions. In summary, the Roman penny, or denarius, is a significant element in the New Testament narrative, providing insight into the historical context of Jesus' ministry and the profound spiritual truths He conveyed through His teachings. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 22:19-21Show me the tribute money. And they brought to him a penny. Nave's Topical Index Library The Tribute Money Controversy Ittai of Gath Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | GotQuestions.org What is an omen? | GotQuestions.org Penny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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