remark in His own person to the conclusion of the king's speech. Cf or/, x.r.X., for, etc., in Luke xvi. 8. — yap, x.r.X., for, etc.) This general sentiment is a proof, that this man with out a wedding garment, and all who are like him, will be cast forth.
15. Ton wopivdzvrtc oi <&apiffaToi, x.r.X., then went the Pharisees, etc.) On the malignant spirit of our Lord's adversaries, see Mark xii. 12, 13 ; Luke xx. 20.
16. Macrae, disciples) With whom they thought that our Lord would deal less cautiously, and whose overthrow they thought would be attended with less disgrace to themselves. — 'Hpudiavuv, of the Herodians) who were especially attached to the party of Herod, and consequently to that of Cassar, which the Pharisees viewed with aversion ; see Josephus Antiq. xvii. 3 ; and see Mark iii. 6 and xii. 13. There might be, moreover, a variety of opinion amongst the Herodians themselves con cerning holy things, Herod, etc. — «X/;^s — ev aXrtdt!q, true — in truth) Truth should be known and spoken. Truth is the agree ment of things with the faculties of knowing, willing, speaking, and acting. — rqv odbv ro\> &tov, the way of God) A part of which way is the doctrine concerning what ought to be given to God. There is a striking antithesis here between ©sou, of God — and avSpuKuv, of men. — ou yap (3x'iire/s s/s vpoGuirov, for Thou regardest not the person) They wished Jesus to deny that tribute ought to be given to Caesar.1 Truth truly estimates both things and persons ; but he who regards persons easily betrays truth.
17. "E%effri, is it laivful?) They do not merely say, is it in cumbent ? but, is it laivful ? [not must we ? but may we ?] i.e. on account of what was due to God. — jj 08, or not) They demand a categorical answer.
18. rvoOj, knowing) sc. without delay, or instruction from any one. — v-Troxpiral ! hypocrites !) Our Lord shows Himself to them true, as they had said ; ver. 16.
20. EIKUV, image, likeness^ ' ^paph, letters inscribed.
repeated by the Saviour, and therefore most worthy of consideration.— Harm., p. 463, 464.
1 Which tribute, either a short while before (comp. ch. xvii. 24) or at that very time, namely in the month Nisam, was being paid according to custom. — Harm,, p. 465.