text: This is fine exegesis of the "render unto Caesar" incident in Matthew. However, Mark and Luke also report the exchange. I think a composite of all three brings us closer to knowing exactly what transpired. In that light, you may consider minor alterations in your view.
  
  "If Jesus said, "Pay," he implicitly acknowledged the legitimacy of the Roman occupation, pagan rule over God's people."
  
  Many Church scholars since Eusebius say the question was designed to trap Jesus however he answered. This is wrong. His enemies knew Jesus would never endorse Caesar's tax, nor any tax collected by force or coercion. Luke's account is clear: the only answer his enemies expected was, "No, don't pay!" Then they could hand him over to Pilate for execution as a "tax denier." (IRS term) Indubitably, "repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar," means give him nothing that isn't his. And what belongs to God also leaves nothing for Caesar.  No wonder Rome's chief tax collector for Judea murdered him. (seeLK 23)