They began to make accusations against him. They said, “We’ve found this man leading our people astray. He says they shouldn’t pay taxes to Caesar, and he claims to be the Messiah—a king.”
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free. But the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you’re not Caesar’s friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is against Caesar!”
He said to them, “You brought me this man and said he was turning the people against the authorities. I have questioned him in front of you, and I have found no basis for your charges against him.
“We’ve found that this Paul is a troublemaker. Everywhere he goes in the world, riots break out among the Jews. He’s the leader of a cult called the Nazarenes.
“But let’s not put an obstacle in anyone’s way. Go to the lake and throw out your fishing line. Open the mouth of first fish you catch, and you’ll find a coin that’s the exact amount you need. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe taxes, then pay them. If you owe other fees, then pay those. And don’t forget that you also owe your leaders respect and honor and that you should give them those things.