Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 17:25

"He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?" — Matthew 17:25 (ASV)

Jesus prevented him. That is, Jesus began speaking before Peter spoke, or spoke before Peter had told him what he had said. This implies that, though not present with Peter when he gave the answer, Jesus was acquainted with what he had said. Prevent here means to go before, or precede. It does not mean, as it means now, to hinder or obstruct. See the same use of the word in Psalm 59:10; Psalms 79:8; Psalms 88:13; Psalms 119:148; 1 Thessalonians 4:15.

Of whom do the kings of the earth, etc. That is, earthly kings.

Their own brethren. Their sons; the members of the family.

Or of strangers? The word strangers does not mean foreigners, but those who were not their own sons, or members of their family. Peter replied that tribute was collected from those out of their own family. Jesus answered, then are the children, or sons of the kings, free; that is, taxes are not required of them. The meaning of this may be expressed as follows: "Kings do not tax their own sons. This tribute money is taken up for the temple-service; that is, the service of my Father. I, therefore, being the Son of God, for whom this is taken up, cannot be lawfully required to pay this tribute."