Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Matthew 22:16 - 22:16
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Mat 22:16. Μαθητὰς, 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.-Ἡρωδιανῶν, of the Herodians) who were especially attached to the party of Herod, and consequently to that of Cæsar, which the Pharisees viewed with aversion; see Josephus Antiq. xvii. 3; and see Mar 3:6; Mar 12:13. There might be, moreover, a variety of opinion amongst the Herodians themselves concerning holy things, Herod, etc.-ἀληθὴς-ἐν ἀληθείᾳ, true-in truth) Truth should be known and spoken. Truth is the agreement of things with the faculties of knowing, willing, speaking, and acting.-τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, 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 Θεου, of God-and ἀνθρώπων, of men.-οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον, for Thou regardest not the person) They wished Jesus to deny that tribute ought to be given to Cæsar.[960] Truth truly estimates both things and persons; but he who regards persons easily betrays truth.
[960] Which tribute, either a short while before (comp. ch. Mat 17:24) or at that very time, namely in the month Nisam, was being paid according to custom.-Harm., p. 465.