(NASB version – KJV uses tribute instead of tax)

By BISHOP J.J. HAIRSTON
The Tribute Money


24When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” 25He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27“However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”



Do we give more precedence to paying taxes than paying tithes or giving for that much? The difference between Jesus paying taxes and paying taxes today is paying taxes at that time was taking from you by force by using harsh methods and today is quite similar but our employers take it from us by force through the direction of the Government. We will be considered self employed if our employers do not take taxes out of our pay. Even so, being self employed we will be forced to pay taxes by going to jail eventually if we do not pay.


Well, with God He does not force us to pay anything our tithes and offerings are done by choice of the New Testament teachings freely. There is no freedom in paying something based on law or legality hence, Jesus paid taxes out of the mouth of a fish along with paying Peter’s taxes as well. Yet, Peter had to work for his blessing to pay taxes by going fishing. Still, no one knows how long it took to catch the fish but it implies through observation it did not take long. Therefore, Peter paying taxes was supported by Jesus without using his own income but by Jesus Christ Miraculous works.


The disciples had money because Jesus mentioned it in Matthew 10:9 that they had money belts or purses. Yet, Jesus paid His and Peter’s taxes out of the mouth of a fish.


I believe that Jesus was preparing His future Apostles that when you work for the Lord He will provide what you need to pay your dues or to live on. In Matthew 10:10 Jesus said, “for a worker is worthy of his food.”


The Apostles could not take anything with them on their missionary journey as provisions for their food, clothing (A tunic is any of several types of clothing for the body, of various lengths reaching from the shoulders to somewhere between the hips and the ankles), sandals (shoes) or staffs.


Doing the work of God will take care of you therefore, paying our tithes and offerings are important so that the worker (minister of the gospel) can have support. Hence, we pay taxes so that the politicians can have an income why not the ministers of the Gospel? Read Matthew 10:5-15.