So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
These spies start with a compliment designed to trap Jesus, calling him truthful and impartial. But notice the subtle emphasis: they praise him for teaching the "way of God truly." This isn't just saying he's a good teacher; it's setting him up, implying that his teachings might clash with or go beyond earthly authorities, which is exactly what they want to use against him.
So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
These religious authorities are actively trying to trap Jesus, sending spies who pretend to be righteous seekers of truth. They've just been rebuffed by Jesus after challenging his authority, and now they're escalating their efforts to find fault with his words so they can hand him over to the Roman governor.
Ever received a compliment that felt a little… off? Sometimes kind words are just a mask for something else.
These religious leaders approached Jesus with what sounds like genuine praise: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God." They're saying he's honest, fair, and teaches God's truth.
But let's look closer. The context here (check Matthew 22:15 and Mark 12:13) tells us they weren't seeking truth; they were spies, sent to trap him. Their 'compliment' was a carefully crafted lure. They hoped Jesus would either affirm paying taxes to Rome (making him unpopular with Jews) or deny it (making him a traitor to Rome).
This reminds us that sincere-sounding words can hide sinister intentions. We need discernment to see beyond the surface.
What does it mean to teach God's way without playing favorites?
The questioners praise Jesus for not showing 'partiality' – meaning he doesn't play favorites or show personal bias. He treats everyone equally, whether rich or poor, powerful or weak.
This is a core aspect of teaching God's truth. A true teacher doesn't bend the message to please certain people or avoid offending others. They present God's word as it is, without fear or favoritism.
Jesus embodies this. He speaks truth to the crowds, to the disciples, and even to his enemies, without regard for personal consequences. His integrity in teaching is what these enemies pretend to admire, but it's also the very thing that makes him dangerous to their agenda.
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Understand the original words
didaskale · Greek Noun
A title often used for Jesus, signifying one who instructs in the truth of God; in the Gospels, it acknowledges his authority as a revealer of divine wisdom.
prosōpolēpsia · Greek Noun (as a negated phrase)
The quality of not showing favoritism or bias; in biblical usage, it refers to God's impartial justice and the character expected of those who represent his truth.
hodos tou Theou · Greek Noun
The path of life, conduct, or doctrine that aligns with God's will; often used to describe the lifestyle and belief system that pleases God.
This question about paying taxes to Caesar arose during a period of intense Roman occupation and Jewish resentment, making Jesus' answer a delicate political and theological tightrope walk.
c. 63 BC
Roman Influence Grows
Rome's power in Judea increases, setting the stage for direct Roman rule and taxation.
c. AD 6
Quirinius' Census
A Roman census for taxation purposes causes significant unrest among Jews who viewed it as a violation of God's sovereignty.
Early 1st Century AD
Jewish Sectarian Tensions
Factions like the Pharisees and Herodians, though often opposed, could unite against perceived threats to their religious or political interests.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus teaches and performs miracles, challenging religious authorities and gaining a large following, which increases suspicion.
c. AD 33
Confrontation in the Temple
During Jesus' final week, religious leaders attempt to trap him with questions about taxes and authority, leading to his arrest.
This passage directly addresses the concept of 'accepting the person' (or showing partiality), explaining that true faith doesn't favor the rich over the poor, echoing the accusers' acknowledgment of Jesus' impartiality.
Galatians 2:6Paul uses the same phrase, 'God shows no partiality,' to describe God's own character, reinforcing the idea that impartiality is a divine attribute that true teachers should reflect.
Matthew 22:16This parallel account in Matthew describes the same group of adversaries, using very similar language to acknowledge Jesus' truthfulness and lack of favoritism before attempting to trap Him.
Deuteronomy 1:17This Old Testament passage explicitly commands the judges and leaders of Israel not to show partiality, underscoring the ancient foundation for the principle of impartial teaching that Jesus embodied and His accusers acknowledged.
John 7:24Jesus Himself taught His followers to 'judge with right judgment,' which implies impartiality, connecting the accusers' false praise of Jesus' impartiality to His own teachings on righteous judgment.
pooleLuke 20:21: "And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:"
Ver. 21-26 This piece of history we have likewise met with, both in Matthew 22:16-22 , and Mark 12:14-17 .
vincentLuke 20:21: "And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:"
Acceptest not the personSee on James 2:1.
These spies start with a compliment designed to trap Jesus, calling him truthful and impartial. But notice the subtle emphasis: they praise him for teaching the "way of God truly." This isn't just saying he's a good teacher; it's setting him up, implying that his teachings might clash with or go beyond earthly authorities, which is exactly what they want to use against him.
These religious authorities are actively trying to trap Jesus, sending spies who pretend to be righteous seekers of truth. They've just been rebuffed by Jesus after challenging his authority, and now they're escalating their efforts to find fault with his words so they can hand him over to the Roman governor.
These religious authorities are actively trying to trap Jesus, sending spies who pretend to be righteous seekers of truth. They've just been rebuffed by Jesus after challenging his authority, and now they're escalating their efforts to find fault with his words so they can hand him over to the Roman governor.
"So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God." — These spies start with a compliment designed to trap Jesus, calling him truthful and impartial. But notice the subtle emphasis: they praise him for teaching the "way of God truly." This isn't just…
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Last reviewed October 2026