Render to Caesar
What belongs to Caesar, and how far obedience to rulers extends.
Matthew 22:15-22
15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you aren’t partial to anyone.
17Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
19Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.
20He asked them, “Whose is this image and inscription?”
21They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
22When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.
1 Peter 2:13-17
13Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
14or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well.
15For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
17Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
What each tradition says
Rabbinic / Midrashic
R. Samuel laid down the principle "Dina di-malkuta dina," meaning "The law of the country is the law." R. Jose also states: "The laws of the country, even if wrong, must be obeyed."
Isidore Singer and Henry Cohen, The Jewish Encyclopedia, s.v. 'Patriotism' (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1901-1906) — Article 'Patriotism', section 'In the Talmud'
Patristic
Chrysostom says that when Jesus says, "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's," he speaks only of things that do no detriment to godliness. If a thing is detrimental to godliness, it is no longer Caesar's tribute but the devil's.
John Chrysostom, Homily 70 on the Gospel of Matthew (trans. George Prevost, rev. M. B. Riddle), in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, ser. 1, vol. 10 — Homily LXX (on Matthew 22:15-22)
Catholic
Haydock explains that Christ reasons they acknowledge Caesar as sovereign by admitting his coin, so they justly owe him the tribute due from subjects. Religion is no objection, since Caesar demands only temporal things for the public service.
George Leo Haydock, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary (1859), on Matthew 22:21 (bibliaplus.org edition) — Comment on Matthew 22:21 (with Witham and Tirinus)
Orthodox
Chrysostom teaches that the command "let every soul be subject unto the higher powers" applies to all, not only people in secular occupations. Even priests, monks, apostles, evangelists, prophets, or anyone else must be subject, since such subjection is not subversive of religion.
John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Epistle to the Romans, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, ser. 1, vol. 11 (Chrysostom: Homilies on Acts and Romans) — Homily XXIII, on Romans 13:1-4
Reformed / Protestant
Calvin says Christ's reply does not leave the matter open but gives full instruction. It establishes a clear distinction between spiritual and civil government, showing that outward subjection does not prevent us from having a conscience free in the sight of God.
John Calvin, Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 3 (Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists; Calvin Translation Society; CCEL) — Comment on Matthew 22:21
Evangelical
Wesley says the Pharisees’ use of Caesar’s coin plainly acknowledged that they were under his government. He takes this as a standing rule: a nation’s current coin shows who its supreme governor is. So they should render to Caesar what they acknowledge as his, and while zealous for Caesar, Herodians must render to God what is God’s.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament - Notes on the Gospel according to St Matthew (Wesley Center Online text) — Note on Matthew 22:21