One of the
characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew is that it contains more numbers than
the other three Gospels. Tax collectors often place an inordinate amount of
emphasis on numbers and financial reports. Many of the passages that are unique
to Matthew are saturated with numbers. For instance, only Matthew contains the
parables of the talents and the ten virgins with the oil lamps (Matthew Chapter
25). The parable of the talents not only contains a lot of numbers but it also
symbolizes the judgment with financial reporting by three individuals.
However, one
passage that is unique to Matthew truly stands out. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus
and Peter have a discussion about paying the temple tax and the tax is paid for
both of them. In my opinion, only a tax collector would think that it was
important that everyone knew that Jesus and Peter paid their taxes!
Section 63.1 - Jesus Pays the Tribute Money
24
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to
Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay [the] temple tax?” 25 He said,
“Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What
do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes,
from their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said
to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, so that we may not offend
them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And
when you open its mouth, you will find a piece of money. Take that and give it
to them for me and you.”
J. Clontz – Editor
of the Comprehensive New Testament
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