However, lest we should offend them, go to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened its mouth, you shall find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and you.
All Commentaries on Matthew 17:27 Go To Matthew 17
John Chrysostom
AD 407
For when God slew the firstborn of Egypt, He then accepted the tribe of Levi for them. But because the numbers of this tribe wereless than the number of firstborn among the Jews, it was ordained that redemption money should be paid for the number that came short; and thence sprang the custom of paying this tax. Because then Christ was a firstborn son, and Peter seemed to be the first among the disciples, they came to him. And asit seems to me this was not demanded in every district, they come to Christ in Capernaum, because that was considered His native place.
And him they address not with boldness, but courteously; for they do not arraign, but ask a question, “Doth not your Master pay the didrachma?”.
But this instance were brought to no purpose if He were not a son. But some one may say, He is son indeed, but not an own son. But then He were a stranger; and so this instance would not apply; for He speaks only of own sons, distinct from whom He calls them strangers who are actually born of parents. Mark how here also Christ certifies that relationship which was revealed to Peter from God,“Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.”.
Or He does not direct it to be paid out of that they had at hand, that He might hew that He was Lord also of the sea and the fish.
As you wonder at Christ’s power, so admire Peter’s faith, who was obedient inno easy matter. In reward of his faith he was joined with his Lord in the payment. An abundant honour! “Thou shalt find a stater, that take and give unto them for thee and for me.”
