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What did Jesus mean when he said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (cf. Matt 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26)? Was he endorsing government authority, drawing a line between politics and faith, or making a more subversive statement?
In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with Michael Bird to unpack this complex passage. They explore its historical and political context, the different ways it has been interpreted, and what it means for Christians today.
Does Jesus affirm paying taxes as a matter of obedience, or is he subtly challenging the system? What does this passage teach about our allegiance to God versus our responsibilities to the state? Join us as we explore one of Jesus’s most famous—and debated—statements.
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Episode guest: Michael F. Bird
Mike Bird is deputy principal at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is an Anglican priest and the author of over 30 books about the New Testament and theology. He specializes in a staggering breadth of disciplines, including systematic theology, New Testament studies, early Christianity, public theology (such as politics and religious freedom), and more.
Episode synopsis
Context of the passage
Kirk E. Miller and Michael Bird set the scene for the passage, which takes place during one of Jesus’s confrontations with the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem. They explain the significance of Jesus’s triumphal entry, cleansing of the temple, and subsequent confrontations.
What’s at stake?
The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Mike explains the historical and political context of taxation in Roman Judea and its implications for Jewish loyalty to YHWH. Endorsing the empire’s taxation could be perceived as participating in its idolatry. But refusing taxation could be deemed insurrection.
Alternate interpretations
Kirk and Mike mention various traditional and contemporary interpretations.
- Some see in this passage the basis for a two kingdoms theology, the idea of separate spheres of authority for church (“render to God”) and state (“render to Caesar”).
- Some from the Anabaptist tradition argue that although believers are technically free from the state’s demands since they belong to Christ’s kingdom, in their freedom they can choose to comply and submit to the state to avoid offense.
- Finally, others interpret the Caesar’s (or the state’s) sphere of authority (“render to Caesar”) as subsumed with God’s (“render to God”). Thus, Jesus is stating that everything is owed to God, including certain deference to the state which he appointed to have a more limited domain of authority.
Michael Bird’s perspective
Rather than understanding the text as making a doctrinal statement on church and state relations, Mike’s interpretation emphasizes Jesus’s clever evasion. Jesus avoids the trap set by his adversaries by highlighting the pagan nature of the Roman coinage and making a subversive but subtle point about allegiance to God over Caesar. As such, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of his questioners, leaving his audience amazed.
Practical significance
Mike provides practical takeaways. Christians should pay taxes and obey the state, but never participate in idolatry or tyranny. Our ultimate loyalty belongs to God. We follow God’s authority first and foremost, even as we recognize the subordinate role of the state.
Teaching the passage
As far as teaching this passage, Mike suggests taking time to explain its historical context. One might even show images of Roman coins to illustrate the point.
Finally, compare passages like Romans 13 and Revelation 13 to provide a fuller understanding of the state as both minister and monster.
Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.
Select books by Mike Bird
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies
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Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government
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The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians
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Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction, 2nd ed.
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Kirk’s recommended commentaries on the synoptic gospels
The Gospel According to Mark (The Pillar New Testament Commentary | PNTC)
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Matthew–Mark (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition, Volume 9 | REBC)
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Luke, Volume 1 & Volume 2 (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | BECNT)
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Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
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English (US) · 