And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
Read it in contextQuestions meant to trap
Start reading at Matthew 22:15 (Matthew 22:15 to Matthew 22:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers hostile questions without accepting their premises, exposing misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power.
22:15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
22:17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
22:18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
22:19Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
22:20And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
22:21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
22:22When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
22:23The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
22:24Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
22:25Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
22:26Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
22:27And last of all the woman died also.
22:28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
22:29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
22:31But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
22:32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
22:33And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 22:1–22:46): Jesus addresses parables and answers challenges involving Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a lawyer; the chapter closes with His question to the Pharisees. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Questions meant to trap. Read Matthew 22:15 through Matthew 22:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers hostile questions without accepting their premises, exposing misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Questions meant to trap (Matthew 22:15 to Matthew 22:33).
Start reading at Matthew 22:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 22:15, Matthew 22:33, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 22
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeThe feast parable continues the preceding confrontations, joining rejection of the invitation with accountability among those who come.
Connection to the wholeThe exchange moves from the law's central commands to a question about the Christ that the challengers cannot answer.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.