Temple tax

In Jesus' time, the Jews paid tribute and taxes to the Roman occupiers of their land, a bitter reminder of their subjugation.

- 

The people were also taxed individually with a half-shekel payment annually for the Temple. This is called the didrachma in the Gospels (v 24). The background of the Temple tax was the half-shekel atonement money required of all males 20 years and above (Ex 30:11-16). This was collected annually from every Jew 20 years and above all over the world, something the Jews would have complied willingly as it was for the Lord. The exchange between Jesus and Peter shows that Jesus was obedient to the laws and traditions of Israel. It may also reflect the duties of the Christians in Luke's time. Jesus as Son of God and his disciples, children (“sons”) of the Kingdom, are the king’s sons and are exempt in principle from paying the tax. By paying even though he does not owe anything, Jesus makes Peter understand that Christians should shoulder their duties a