Mark 12:14

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And when they arrived, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and [that you] do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone. For you do not allow [the position of] any person to influence you, but teach the truth about God’s way. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

Cross References

1 Thessalonians 2:4

Instead, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. So, we speak, not trying to please people but God, who examines [the motives of] our hearts.

Galatians 2:6

These apostles, who were highly regarded (although it really does not matter to me what they are, for God does not show partiality to any particular person); these men, I say, provided me with nothing [concern­ing the Gospel message].

Galatians 1:10

For am I seeking [to gain] the favor of men or of God? Or, am I striving to please people [by what I do]? If I were still [trying] to please people, I would not be a [true] servant of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:16

So, from now on we will not regard any person by worldly standards, even though we [once] regarded Christ that way. But we will not regard Him [that way] anymore. [Note: Paul seems to be saying that before his conversion he viewed Christ on the basis of His family, His education, His position, etc., but since his conversion he does not view Him that way anymore].

2 Corinthians 5:11

Since we [apostles] know [what it means] to revere the Lord, we try to persuade people [i.e., to accept the Gospel, or to acknowledge our integrity]. But we are [already] known to God, and I hope that you also know us in your hearts [i.e., to have integrity].

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we [apostles] are not like so many people, who “peddle” God’s message merely for profit [or, “who corrupt God’s message”], but in Christ’s [service] we proclaim the message from God with sincerity, [realizing we are] in the presence of God.

2 Corinthians 2:2

For if I caused you sorrow, who can make me glad except the one I have grieved? [See verse 6].

John 7:18

The person who speaks on his own authority is [just] trying to gain honor for himself. But the One who tries to gain honor from God, who sent Him, is [committed to] truth, and there is nothing false in His heart.

Romans 13:6

This is the reason why you should pay taxes also. For the authorities are God’s servants who continually tend to this matter [i.e., of collecting taxes].

Luke 23:2

They began bringing accusations against Him, saying, “We discovered this man misleading the people of our nation and telling them not to pay taxes to Caesar, and claiming that he himself was the Messiah, a king!”

Luke 20:22

Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

Mark 14:45

And when Judas came, immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Rabbi,” and then kissed Him [enthusiastically].

Matthew 22:17

So, tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

2 Corinthians 4:1

So, having obtained this ministry through [God’s] mercy, we do not become discouraged.

Matthew 22:16

So, they sent their disciples, [along] with the Herodians to Him [Note: These were members of a political party favoring King Herod], saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and that you teach the truth about God’s way. You do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone or allow the position of any person to influence you.

Mark 12:13

Then the Pharisees sent certain ones of their number [See Matt. 22:15-16] along with the Herodians [Note: This refers to members of a political party favoring King Herod] to attempt to trap Him by what He said.

Mark 12:15

Should we pay it, or should we not pay it?” But Jesus was aware of their hypocrisy and said to them, “Bring me the coin so I can see it.” [Note: The amount of this coin was equivalent to one twelve-hour day of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $108 in 2005].