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MATTHEW 22:21 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Matt 22:20Matt 22:22
“They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. The marveling and departure communicates the failure of the trap: the answer was so brilliant that the questioners could not press further without looking foolish. The going away is the recognition that the entangling strategy has failed.

Church Fathers on Matthew 22:21

As when one seeks to dam a stream of running water, as soon as one outlet is stopped up it makes another channel for itself; so the malevolence of the Jews, foiled on one hand, seeks itself out another course.

Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

Who as unknown to Him, were more likely to ensnare Him, and so through them they might take Him, which they feared to do of themselves because of the populace.

Gloss (Glossa Ordinaria) · medieval compilation · ord.

Lately under Caesar Aug ustus, Judaea, which was subject to the Romans, had been made tributary when the census was held of the whole world; and there was a great division among the people, some saying that tribute ought to be paid to the Romans in return for the security and quiet which their arms maintained for all. The Pharisees on the other hand, self- satisfied in their own righteousness, contended that the people of God who paid tithes and gave first-fruits, and did all…

Jerome · 4th century
Read all 21 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Matthew 22:21 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy