What does Matthew 17:27 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 17:27 contains Jesus’ instructions to Peter to avoid causing offense over the issue of temple tax. Jesus uses a miraculous event to provide the tax money.

The verse implies Jesus’ omniscience and authority over nature.

Literally, it suggests that a coin can be found in a fish's mouth which Peter is to use to pay the tax for both of them.

Symbolically, it indicates that God will provide for the needs of His people in unexpected ways, and it signifies Jesus's humility in conforming to the religious customs of the time despite being exempt from them.

Historical Context

The verse occurs after religious leaders questioned Jesus about paying the temple tax, a half-shekel tax imposed on Jewish males for the maintenance of the Jerusalem temple (Exodus 30:13-15).

This event occurs in Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which is considered the home base of Jesus' ministry.

It reflects first-century Jewish life, religious obligations, and the socio-economic setting of the time.

Theological Insights

Various theological insights derive from this verse:

• Sovereignty of God: Some view the miracle as evidence of Jesus’ divine authority over nature.
• Humility of Jesus: Despite being the Son of God and thus exempt, Jesus pays the temple tax, demonstrating His humility and adherence to the law.
• Offense Avoidance: Jesus’ decision to pay the tax indicates a principle of not causing unnecessary offense, especially in matters of religious observance.

The verse is also theologically debated concerning faith and providence, with some seeing it as a lesson in trusting God to provide needs in miraculous ways.

Practical Applications

This verse may suggest the following practical applications for daily life:

• Followers of Jesus should seek not to offend unnecessarily in their practice of faith.
• Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s provision for their lives, often in unexpected ways.
• Christians may find inspiration to fulfill obligations, even if technically exempt, to maintain peace and order.

Cross-References

• Exodus 30:13-15: The origin of temple tax.
• Romans 13:7: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
• Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "Hook" (ἄγκιστρον, "ankistron"): Refers to a fishing hook, an everyday item for fishermen like Peter.
• "Piece of money" (στατήρ, "stater"): A silver coin worth four drachmas, exact amount for the temple tax for two people.
• "Offend" (σκανδαλίσωμεν, "skandalisomen"): To cause to stumble or sin; here, it means to cause offense or trouble.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time, miraculous provision stories were not uncommon in various cultures and religions. This story is unique to Christianity but can be seen in the context of divine or supernatural beings providing needs in many ancient myths.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no natural scientific explanation for finding a coin in a fish's mouth; it is considered a miracle.

However, from a scientific perspective, the event is statistically improbable but not impossible, as fish have been known to pick up objects from the seabed.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that Christ gave Peter instructions on how to avoid giving offense regarding the temple-tax matter.

John Calvin's Commentary interprets the miracle as a sign of Jesus' divine power and suggests it teaches humility and compliance with government customs.

Most commentators agree on the miraculous nature of the event and draw various moral and spiritual lessons from it, reflecting on God's omnipotence and the importance of believers' conduct in society.