Caesar

Lore & Background

Caesar appears as both a historical ruler and a symbol of Roman governance. In the Gospels, Pharisees and Herodians test Jesus by asking whether it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar (Matthew 22:17; Mark 12:14; Luke 20:22). Jesus responds by pointing to the coin bearing Caesar's image, instructing to give Caesar what belongs to him and God what belongs to God (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). This teaching is later twisted by accusers who claim Jesus forbids paying tribute to Caesar (Luke 23:2).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Caesar as the supreme earthly authority, but one that is subordinate to God. Jesus' command to 'render unto Caesar' acknowledges the legitimacy of civil government while reserving ultimate allegiance for God. Paul's repeated appeals to Caesar (Acts 25:11-12; Acts 26:32; Acts 28:19) show that the Roman legal system, headed by Caesar, could be used by Christians for justice. The accusation that Christians act 'contrary to the decrees of Caesar' (Acts 17:7) and the chief priests' declaration 'We have no king but Caesar' (John 19:15) highlight the tension between loyalty to Rome and allegiance to Christ. The mention of 'Caesar's household' in Philippians 4:22 indicates that the gospel reached even the imperial court.

Did You Know?

• Caesar Augustus issued the decree for the census when Jesus was born (Luke 2:1).
• Tiberius Caesar was reigning when John the Baptist began his ministry (Luke 3:1).
• Paul appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen to avoid local judgment (Acts 25:11-12).
• The chief priests claimed 'We have no king but Caesar' during Jesus' trial (John 19:15).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Inscription on the triumphal wagon reported in The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, as translated by Robert Graves (1957)." — Caesar "Ἑλληνιστὶ πρὸς τοὺς παρόντας ἐκβοήσας, «Ἀνερρίφθω κύβος», [anerrhíphtho kúbos] διεβίβαζε τὸν στρατόν." — Caesar "He [Caesar] declared in Greek with loud voice to those who were present 'Let the die be cast' and led the army across." — Caesar "Sed fortuna, quae plurimum potest cum in reliquis rebus tum praecipue in bello, parvis momentis magnas rerum commutationes efficit; ut tum accidit." — Caesar