A title for the supreme ruler of the Roman Empire. The synoptic Gospels record Jesus’s response to a question regarding payment of taxes to the emperor (
Mark 12:13-17;
Matt 22:15-22;
Luke 20:20-26). In the book of Acts, Paul claims his right as a Roman citizen to present his case before the emperor (
Acts 25:9-12). In
1Pet 2:17 Christians are urged to honor the emperor (Gk. basileus, “king”), but the book of Revelation appears to present the imperial power of Rome as a monster opposed to God and God’s people (
Rev 13).
Mark 12:13-17
The Question about Paying Taxes
13Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said.14And they came and said to him, “Teacher, ... View more
Matt 22:15-22
The Question about Paying Taxes
15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodi ... View more
Luke 20:20-26
The Question about Paying Taxes
20So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to ... View more
Acts 25:9-12
9But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and be tried there before me on these charges?”10Paul said, “I am ap ... View more
1Pet 2:17
17Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Rev 13
1And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads; and on its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads were blasphemous names.2And the ... View more
