19The chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on him that very hour, but they feared the people—for they knew he had spoken this parable against them.
20They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor.
21They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
23But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
“Why do you test me?
24
Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
25He said to them,
“Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent.