Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 12:17

"And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar`s, and unto God the things that are God`s. And they marvelled greatly at him." — Mark 12:17 (ASV)

Jesus’ answer avoided the trap. Caesar has a legitimate claim and so does God. Give to each his rightful claim, for obedience to God does not abolish obedience to the state. Jesus did not, however, say that the claims of God and those of Caesar are the same. For a more complete doctrine of the relationship of Christians to the state, this statement of Jesus must be coupled with Ro 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–6; and 1 Peter 2:13–17.

The reply was not what they expected. It was simple yet profound, and “they were amazed at him.” But because he did not give a direct yes-or-no answer, they felt they had enough to charge him with opposition to paying taxes (cf. Lk 23:2).