²⁴On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax#17:24 Greek the two-drachma [tax]; also in 17:24b. See Exod 30:13-16; Neh 10:32-33. came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?” ²⁵“Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter?#17:25a Greek Simon? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?#17:25b Greek their sons or others?” ²⁶“They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! ²⁷However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin.#17:27 Greek a stater [a Greek coin equivalent to four drachmas]. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”