Luke 20:21

“Neither do these two evangelists differ in the matter of the order.” — editor's note: Mark xii. 13–27; Luke xx. 20–40.

Chapter LXXVI.—Of the Harmony in Respect of the Order of Narration Subsisting Between Matthew and the Other Two Evangelists in the Accounts Given of the Occasion on Which He Foretold the Destruction of the Temple.…

It became indeed the rulers of the Jews, perceiving that the parable was spoken of them, to depart from evil, having been thus as it were warned concerning the future. But little mindful of this, they rather gather a…

And so by seeking to slay Him, they proved the truth of what He had said in the parable. For He Himself is the Heir, whose unjust death He said was to be punished. They are the wicked husbandmen who sought to kill…

For they seemed to be trifling, yet were in earnest, forgetful of God, who says, Who is this that hideth his counsel from me? (Job 42:3.) For they come to Christ the Saviour of all, as though He were a common man, as…

They laid snares for our Lord, but got their own feet entangled in them. Listen to their cunning, And they asked Him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly.

This smooth and artful question was to entice the answerer to say that he fears God rather than Cæsar, for it follows, Neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly. This they say, to…

Therefore it was intended, in case He said they ought to give tribute to Cæsar, that He should be accused by the people, as placing the nation under the yoke of slavery, but if He forbade them to pay the tax, that…

Our Lord here teaches us, how cautious we ought to be in our answers to heretics or Jews; as He has said elsewhere, Be ye wise as serpents (Mat. 10:16).

Let those who impute the question of our Saviour to ignorance, learn from this place that Jesus was well able to know whose image was on the money; but He asks the question, that He might give a fitting answer to…

As if He said, With your words ye tempt me, obey me in works. Ye have indeed Cæsar’s image, ye have undertaken his offices, to him therefore give tribute, to God fear. For God requireth not money, but faith.

Render also to God the things which be God’s, that is to say, tithes, first fruits, offerings, and sacrifices.

And observe that He said not, give, but return. For it is a debt. Thy prince protects thee from enemies, renders thy life tranquil. Surely then thou art bound to pay him tribute. Nay, this very piece of money which…

Be unwilling then, if thou wouldest not offend Cæsar, to possess worldly goods. And thou rightly teachest, first to render the things which be Cæsar’s. For no one can be the Lord’s unless he has first renounced the…

Now this place contains a mystery. For there are two images in man, one which he received from God, as it is written, Let us make man in our own image: (Gen. 1:26.) another from the enemy, which he has contracted…

Now they who ought rather to have believed such great wisdom, marvelled that in all their cunning they had found no opportunity of catching Him. As it follows, And they could not take hold of his words before the…

This was their main object, to rebuke Him before the people, which they were unable to do because of the wonderful wisdom of His answer.

Matthew 22:16 and Luke 20:21 share the same wording (15 words).

Mark 12:14 and Luke 20:21 share the same wording (20 words).

Cited together in Origen on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Cyril of Alexandria on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Origen on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Cyril of Alexandria on Luke 20:19–26 (2) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).