The Dynamics of Caesar's Coin in Matthew 22

In Matthew 22.21, Christ responds to those who would entangle him by using a Roman coin with Caesar's image. He tells them to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.

This passage has generated a great deal of discussion over the centuries and not a few are confused by it - and as a result end up explaining it away.

Distorting Revelation 3: Theology Overriding Scripture (I)

https://www.clr4u.org/will-christ-ever-spew-lukewarm-christians-out-of-his-mouth-revelation-316/

Will Christ ever spew lukewarm Christians out of His mouth?

Dean Davis says no, because he believes in Eternal Security and as such the implied warning is merely hypothetical, a case of hyperbole, a warning to those who aren't actually part of the Church but pretend to be.

Tribe, Kingdom, and Self in Matthew 12.46-50

When this passage is treated it is common to emphasize the fact that the Christian's relationship to Christ transcends earthly familial relations. Additionally, the topic of adoption can be touched upon, the idea that a Christian becomes part of the family of God and how this relationship and status is of far greater import than our earthly relations.

Spiritualised Hermeneutics and Old Testament Interpretation in Matthew 2

In obedience to an angelic vision, Joseph takes his family to Egypt to escape the bestial and murderous Herod. Upon the tyrant's death which is believed to have occurred about 4BC, the family (again at the instigation of an angelic command) returns to Israel and re-settles in Galilee.

Matthew in v.15 reports the return of Joseph, Mary and the toddler Jesus as the fulfillment of Hosea 11.1:

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

What kind of hermeneutic or interpretative method is being employed by Matthew? The verse comes in the midst of a passage of condemnation and denunciation of Israel's conduct, the type of passage we frequently encounter in the prophets. Immediately after the statement in chapter 11.1, the passage goes on to condemn Israel – Ephraim the northern kingdom and promises that they will be defeated by Assyria.

The Testimony of Antithesis Regarding the Sword (Matthew 26.52 and Luke 22.36-38)

Christ's warning is clear. All who take up the sword will perish by it and the context of this statement is in rebuke to Peter who had just cut off the ear of Malchus, servant to the high priest.

Antithesis and Exaltation in Matthew 23.12

Some would read the abasement-exaltation theme in Matthew 23.12 as in reference to this life. In other words the man who abases himself will be (after patient interlude) reap the fruits of success in being exalted in station, wealth or perhaps power in This Age. Similar arguments are made in reference to money. We're told the love of money is the root of all evil and in consequence I've heard preachers suggest that if one puts God and family first and then seeks money... that's valid and to be commended.

Antithesis and Caesar's Coin (Matthew 22.15-22)

I have often mentioned the 'coin' episode in Matthew 22 as an occasion in which Evangelicals and other Sacralists attempt to make an argument for citizenship and civic duty. They believe the terminology 'render unto Caesar' is some kind of imperative to be engaged in the affairs of Caesar, economics, politics and the like.

Antithesis and the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19.21)

The debates over the Rich Young Ruler passage often focus on a perceived soteriological dilemma, the fact that Christ seems to suggest that salvation could be attained by deed, in this case the keeping of commandments completed or perfected in the liquidation of assets followed by large-scale charitable giving.

Antithesis in Matthew 19: Eunuchs for the Kingdom

Continuing an examination of verses pertaining to worldliness, antithesis and the Dominionist confusion regarding these topics, we come to Matthew 19 and the reference to eunuchs for the Kingdom.

Wisdom, Bitterness and Blessed Hope

As the years go by I've seen apostasy, experienced betrayals, watched people drift away, seen people exposed as something other than what they were thought to be.

It's both sad and startling. People you once thought were so solid turn out to be houses built on sand, seeds sprouting on rocky ground. I've watched others drowned by foolish and hurtful lusts, choked by weeds and many who live by lying to themselves about everything they do and the whole of their motivations.