"When they returned to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked him, 'Does your master pay the temple tax?' He answered, 'Yes.'
Peter then entered the house; and immediately, JESUS asked him, 'What do you think, Simon? Who pay taxes or tribute to the kings of the earth: their sons or strangers and aliens?' Peter replied, 'Strangers and aliens.' And JESUS told him, 'The sons, then, are tax-free. But, so as not to offend these people, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and open the mouth of the first fish you catch. You will find a coin in it. Take the coin and give it to them for you and for ME.'" - Matthew 17:24-27
(All the Jews paid a tax for the maintenance of the temple.
The collectors approach Peter as owner of the house where JESUS also lives.
JESUS observes the law, but takes this opportunity to give a hint as to who HE is: the collectors do not realize they are addressing "the Son," Notice how the LORD has control over all creatures even fish, and see also HIS intimate solidarity with Peter.
The coin mentioned was worth the temple tax. Matthew may have had a special interest for this story because at the time he wrote Christians of Jewish origins were wondering whether they should be still paying this tax.)
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