The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 380

image and titles to be stamped on the current coin is by those who use it acknow- ledged as the ruler. (2) The issue was whether by a joint effort of the nation it was not their duty to God to throw off the Roman yoke. It involved many considera- tions, such as: (a) The origin of the Roman power. (b) The manner in which that power bad been used. (c) The degree of injustice which must be sustained before a nation can legally throw off an allegiance to which it has submitted. (d) The defini~ tion of the theocrl\Cy in the modified form in which it then existed. (e) Besides these many minor considerations. (3) In proposing a question so complicated and intricat~ they hoped to entangle him in his talk. 2. In the confederation proposing it. (1) Behold the Pharisees in league with the Herodians. These persons were political enemies. The Pharisees were seditious demagogues. The Herodians, if not Saddl}o cee.s, as Herod was, were partisans of Herod, who owed his elevation to the Romans, But they find a common cause against Jesus; nor was this the first time (see Mark iii. 6). "Samson's foxes looked several ways, but met in one firebrand" (Henry), (2) See them in consultation. So were the Scriptures verified (cf. Ps. ii. 2; 1.xx.xiii. 3-8 ; J er. xviii. 18 ; xx. 10). Contrivance and deliberation intensify the malignity of sin (see Micah ii. 1). Wicked wit makes wicked will. (3) Observe how the Pharisees put forth "their disciples." Note: The wicked have disciples. Disciples would look more like learners, less like tempters. (4) The masters would be present to watch the issue and to seize the opportunity to enclose the Victim in the serpent's folds. 3. In the jlaf,tery in which it is conveyed. (1) In the praise they give to Christ they speak the truth. He WM indeed a '.l.'eacher trne, and a true Teacher of the way of God. He was himself the Truth and the Way. He also was above all influence of injustice. He had no improper fear of Herod or of Pilate. He evermore reproved with equity (see Isa. xi. 4). (2) But they use the truth to serve a bloody purpose. The matter may be true and the intention treacherous. They sought to "ensnare hiru," viz. to his destruction, as a bird in a net (cf. Mark xii. 12, 13; Luke :u:, 20). There are those who never do good but with the purpose of promoting evil (3) Suspect the man that praises you to your face. " He who caresses thee more than he is wont has either deceived thee or is about to deceive thee" (Italian proverb). Praise upon the lip, malice in the heart. Joab kissed when he killed Amasa (2 Sam. xx, 9). Judas betrayed when he kissed Jesus (eh. :u:vi. 49). 4. In the presenCB in which it iB urged. (1) It had to be answered in presence of the people. They vainly boasted that they were Abraham's seed, and never were in bondage (see John viii 33), '.!.'hey as vainly professed to have no king but God. If Jesus replied that it was lawful to pay tribute to Cmsar, the people might be easily roused against him. (2) It had to be answered in presence of the Pharisees. They only wanted the pretext to stir up the people against him as the Eaemy to the liberties of his country. (3) It had to be answered in presence of the Herodians. If Jesus took the side of the people, and said it was not lawful to pay tribute to Cmsar, then the Herodians were ready to inflame Herod against him in the interests of the Romans. This very indictment was, two or three days later, laid against him (see Luke :u:iii. 2). Behold- IL THE WIBDOII OF THE SEBPENT IN THE DOVE. 1. It ,a seen ,n his nposwre of his <WJail(]/f/,ti hypor:risy. (1) They could not hide their duplicity from his all-searching vision. By the exposure of their wickedness he proved them right when they called him true. (2) Thie exposure was as politic as it was severe, for it discredited them before the people. (3) Nothing could have mortified them more; for they sought the praise of men rather than the praise of God. He never gains who contends with Jesus. 2. It is seen in his avoidanr,e of their trap. (1) He took the wise in their craftiness (see Luke :x:x. 23) when he made them recognize the image and eupersoription on the coin. With what consistency did the chief priests afterwards cry out, "We have no king but Cmsa.r" (John xix. 15) I (2) "Render therefore unto Cresar the things that are Cresar's; and unto God the things that are God's." God is the Author of spiritual order, and, through this, of civil order also. Human sagacity sees one side of duty; Divine wisdom sees all sides at once. (3) Here was nothing that the enemy could take hold of. The answer glorified God, and Cresar could not object to it. The Hcrodians and Pharisees were rebuked, but so obliquely that neither could take advantage of him. And the people were edified. 3. it i, seen in the assignment to Cresar of his oum. (1) It is generally that which has upon it Cresar's image and m. xxu. t-46.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTh£W. 385