ACC ~ Mark 12 v17a

MONEY TO CAESAR, SELF TO GOD

TERTULLIAN: That means render the image of Caesar, which is on the coin, to Caesar, and the image of God, which is imprinted on the person, [1] to God. You give to Caesar only money. But to God, give yourself. ON IDOLATRY 15. [2]

[1] Gen 1:26-27; 9:6; 1 Cor 11:7.

[2] Cetedoc 0023, 47.25; ANF 3:70*. Christians do not honor the ruling political powers in the same way they honor God.

WE PRAY FROM THE HEART

TERTULLIAN: We pray for the safety of the emperors to the eternal God, the true, the living God, whom emperors themselves would desire to be benevolent to them, the One who is “above all others who are called gods.” We, looking up to heaven with outstretched hands, because we are harmless, with naked heads, because we are not ashamed, [1] without a prompter, because we pray from the heart, constantly pray for all emperors, that they may have a long life, a secure empire, a safe center of governance, adequate defense, a faithful senate, a well-instructed people, a quiet state—whatever Caesar would wish for himself in his public and private capacity. [2] APOLOGY 30. [3]

[1] 1 Cor 11:7.

[2] Jer 29:7; Dan 6:21; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-17.

[3] Cetedoc 0003, 30.1; ANF 3:42**; GMI 295-96.

GOD’S COINS

AUGUSTINE: We are God’s money. But we are like coins that have wandered away from the treasury. What was once stamped upon us [1] has been worn down by our wandering. The One who restamps his image upon us is the One who first formed us. He himself seeks his own coin, as Caesar sought his coin. It is in this sense that he says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” [2] to Caesar his coins, to God your very selves. TRACTATE ON JOHN 40.9. [3]

[1] The image of God.

[2] Mt 22:21; Mk 12:17; Lk 20:25.

[3] Cetedoc 0278, 40.9.36; NPNF 1 7:228*; FC 88:133*.

GOD’S TRIBUTE FOR US

ORIGEN: For the sake of those who were in captivity, like the bondage of the Hebrews, the Son of God took upon himself the form of a slave, [1] yet doing nothing worldly or servile. As one who came in the form of a slave, he paid tax and tribute for us, in the same way that a restitution would be paid for his blood and that of his disciples. … Therefore, let anyone who possesses the things of Caesar render freely them to Caesar, so that he may be able then to render freely to God the things of God. … Just as our Lord paid our debt, not having initiated it, nor expended it, nor acquired it, nor at any time made it his own possession. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 13.10. [2]

[1] Phil 2:7.

[2] TLG 2042.030, 13.10.21-29, 46-49, 62-65; cf. ANF 9:481.