They came to him and said,“ Teacher, we know that you are a man of honor. You don’t let other people tell you what to do or say. You don’t care how important they are. But you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay the royal tax to Caesar or not?

他们来了，就对他说：“夫子，我们知道你是诚实的，什么人你都不徇情面；因为你不看人的外貌，乃是诚诚实实传神的道。纳税给凯撒可以不可以？

他们来了，就对他说：“老师，我们知道你是诚实的，无论谁你都一视同仁；因为你不看人的面子，而是诚诚实实传上帝的道。纳税给凯撒合不合法？

他们来了，就对他说：“老师，我们知道你是诚实的，无论谁你都一视同仁；因为你不看人的面子，而是诚诚实实传神的道。纳税给凯撒合不合法？

他们上前对耶稣说：“老师，我们知道你诚实无伪，不看人的情面，因为你不以貌取人，而是按真理传上帝的道。那么，向凯撒纳税对不对呢？

他们来到了，就对他说：“老师，我们知道你为人诚实，不顾忌任何人，因为你不徇情面，只照着真理把神的道教导人。请问纳税给凯撒可以不可以？我们该纳不该纳呢？”

那些人来对耶稣说：“老师，我们知道你是真诚的。你不顾忌任何人，因为你不看人的情面，而是按真理教导神的道。请问，向凯撒纳税，可以不可以呢？我们该交还是不该交呢？”

他們來了，就對他說：「夫子，我們知道你是誠實的，甚麼人你都不徇情面；因為你不看人的外貌，乃是誠誠實實傳神的道。納稅給凱撒可以不可以？

他們來了，就對他說：「老師，我們知道你是誠實的，無論誰你都一視同仁；因為你不看人的面子，而是誠誠實實傳上帝的道。納稅給凱撒合不合法？

他們來了，就對他說：「老師，我們知道你是誠實的，無論誰你都一視同仁；因為你不看人的面子，而是誠誠實實傳神的道。納稅給凱撒合不合法？

他們上前對耶穌說：「老師，我們知道你誠實無偽，不看人的情面，因為你不以貌取人，而是按真理傳上帝的道。那麼，向凱撒納稅對不對呢？

他們來到了，就對他說：“老師，我們知道你為人誠實，不顧忌任何人，因為你不徇情面，只照著真理把神的道教導人。請問納稅給凱撒可以不可以？我們該納不該納呢？”

他們來對他說：『先生，我們曉得你很真誠；甚麼人你都不在乎；因為你不看人的外貌，你只憑真誠來教授上帝的道路。納丁稅給該撒可以不可以？

那些人來對耶穌說：「老師，我們知道你是真誠的。你不顧忌任何人，因為你不看人的情面，而是按真理教導神的道。請問，向凱撒納稅，可以不可以呢？我們該交還是不該交呢？」

既至、謂之曰、夫子、我知爾乃誠者、不徇乎人、蓋不以貌取人、而誠以上帝道訓人者也、納稅於該撒宜否、我儕納乎否乎、

乃就耶穌曰、先生、我知爾乃真者、不偏視人、不以貌取人、而以誠傳上帝道者也、納稅該撒宜否、

就耶穌曰、師、我儕知爾乃真者、不顧人議、不以貌取人、乃以真傳天主道者、納稅於該撒、宜否、納乎、抑不納乎、

乃曰：『夫子、吾知爾正直無私、不徇人情、惟天主之道是傳。敢問納稅於凱撒、理乎？

They came to him and said,“ Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

And they came and said to him,“ Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”

“ Teacher,” they said,“ we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us— is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

When they came, they said to him,“ Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

They came and* said to Him,“ Teacher, we know that You are truthful and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God in truth. Is it permissible to pay a poll tax to Caesar, or not?

When they had come, they said to Him,“ Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

When they came, they said to Him,“ Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality but teach truthfully the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

When they came they said to him,“ Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

When they had come, they asked him,“ Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

The Lord and King helps me. He won’t let me be dishonored. So I’ve made up my mind to keep on serving him. I know he won’t let me be put to shame.He is near. He will prove I haven’t done anything wrong. So who will bring charges against me? Let’s face each other in court! Who can bring charges against me? Let him come and face me!The Lord and King helps me. So who will judge me? My enemies will be like clothes that moths have eaten up. My enemies will disappear.

Son of man, do not be afraid of them or of what they say. Do not be afraid, even if thorns and bushes are all around you. Do not be afraid, even if you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say. Do not be terrified by them. They always refuse to obey me.You must give them my message. They might listen, or they might not. After all, they refuse to obey me.

But we have sinned against you. So its great harvest goes to the kings of Persia. You have placed them over us. They rule over our bodies and cattle just as they please. And we are suffering terribly.

They began to bring charges against Jesus. They said,“ We have found this man misleading our people. He is against paying taxes to Caesar. And he claims to be Messiah, a king.”

Unlike many people, we aren’t selling God’s word to make money. In fact, it is just the opposite. Because of Christ we speak honestly before God. We speak like people God has sent.

Some people in Jerusalem were thought to be important. But it makes no difference to me what they were. God does not treat people differently. Those people added nothing to my message.

Everyone tells lies to their neighbors. With their lips they praise others, but they don’t really mean it.May the Lord close all lips that don’t mean what they say. May he stop every tongue that brags.They say,“ What we speak with our tongues will win the battle. What we say with our lips will keep us safe. No one will have victory over us.”

Lord, save me from people whose lips tell lies. Save me from people whose tongues don’t tell the truth.

All of them said to Jeremiah the prophet,“ Please listen to our appeal. Pray to the Lord your God. Pray for all of us who are left here. Once there were many of us. But as you can see, only a few of us are left now.So pray to the Lord your God. Pray that he’ll tell us where we should go. Pray that he’ll tell us what we should do.”

Am I now trying to get people to think well of me? Or do I want God to think well of me? Am I trying to please people? If I were, I would not be serving Christ.

Whoever speaks on their own does it to get personal honor. But someone who works for the honor of the one who sent him is truthful. Nothing about him is false.

In fact, it is just the opposite. God has approved us to preach. He has trusted us with the good news. We aren’t trying to please people. We want to please God. He tests our hearts.

So Judas went to Jesus at once. Judas said,“ Rabbi!” And he kissed Jesus.

When Peter came to Antioch, I told him to his face that I was against what he was doing. He was clearly wrong.He used to eat with the Gentiles. But certain men came from a group sent by James. When they arrived, Peter began to draw back. He separated himself from the Gentiles. That’s because he was afraid of the circumcision group sent by James.Peter’s actions were not honest, and other Jews in Antioch joined him. Even Barnabas was led astray.I saw what they were doing. It was not in line with the truth of the good news. So I spoke to Peter in front of them all.“ You are a Jew,” I said.“ But you live like one who is not. So why do you force Gentiles to follow Jewish ways?”

We know what it means to have respect for the Lord. So we try to help other people to understand it. What we are is plain to God. I hope it is also plain to your way of thinking.

You made a big mistake when you asked me to pray to the Lord your God. You said,‘ Pray to the Lord our God for us. Tell us everything he says. We’ll do it.’

If I make you sad, who is going to make me glad? Only you, the people I made sad.

Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay the royal tax to Caesar or not?”

But Micaiah said,“ You can be sure that the Lord lives. And you can be just as sure that I can only tell the king what my God says.”

Do what is right. Treat everyone the same. Don’t take money from people who want special favors. It makes those who are wise close their eyes to the truth. It twists the words of those who have done nothing wrong.

The Spirit of the Lord has filled me with power. He helps me do what is fair. He makes me brave. Now I’m prepared to tell Jacob’s people what they’ve done wrong. I’m ready to tell Israel they’ve sinned.

Have respect for the Lord. Judge carefully. He is always right. He treats everyone the same. Our God doesn’t want his judges to take money from people who want special favors.”

“ Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke first.“ What do you think, Simon?” he asked.“ Who do the kings of the earth collect taxes and fees from? Do they collect them from their own children or from others?”“ From others,” Peter answered.“ Then the children don’t have to pay,” Jesus said to him.“ But we don’t want to make them angry. So go to the lake and throw out your fishing line. Take the first fish you catch. Open its mouth. There you will find the exact coin you need. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Warm words that come from an evil heart are like a shiny coating on a clay pot.Enemies use their words as a mask. They hide their evil plans in their hearts.Even though what they say can be charming, don’t believe them. That’s because seven things God hates fill that person’s heart.Their hatred can be hidden by lies. But their evil plans will be shown to everyone.

That’s also why you pay taxes. The authorities serve God. Ruling takes up all their time.

So from now on we don’t look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don’t anymore.

His talk is as smooth as butter. But he has war in his heart. His words flow like olive oil. But they are like swords ready for battle.

Levi didn’t show special favor to anyone. He did not spare his father and mother. He didn’t excuse his relatives or his children. But he watched over your word. He guarded your covenant.He teaches your rules to the people of Jacob. He teaches your law to Israel. He offers incense to you. He sacrifices whole burnt offerings on your altar.

We want you to know about the people who left you and have come up to us. They have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that evil city. It has caused trouble for a long time. Those people are making its walls like new again. They are repairing the foundations.Here is something else we want you to know. Suppose this city is rebuilt. And suppose its walls are made like new again. Then no more taxes, gifts or fees will be collected. And sooner or later there will be less money for you.

“ Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong. When you are a witness in court, do not turn what is right into what is wrong. Do not go along with the crowd.Do not show favor to a poor person in court.“ Suppose you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering away. Then be sure to return it.Suppose you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has fallen down under its load. Then do not leave it there. Be sure you help them with it.“ Be fair to your poor people in their court cases.

So the Lord says to Jeremiah,“ If you turn away from your sins, I will heal you. And then you will be able to serve me. Speak words that are worthy, not worthless. Then you will be speaking for me. Let these people turn to you. But you must not turn to them.I will make you like a wall to them. I will make you like a strong bronze wall. The people will fight against you. But they will not overcome you. I am with you. I will save you,” announces the Lord.“ I will save you from the hands of evil people. I will set you free from those who treat you badly.”

So because of God’s mercy, we have work to do. He has given it to us. And we don’t give up.