Luke 20:21
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)
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These questioners aren't just asking a favor; they're setting a trap. By acknowledging Jesus teaches "rightly" and "truly," and doesn't "accept the person of any," they're subtly accusing Him of bias if He doesn't agree with their expected answer.
These religious leaders are not genuinely seeking truth; instead, they've sent spies to trick Jesus into saying something that could get him arrested by the Roman authorities. They try to flatter him by acknowledging his integrity and his truthful teaching of God's way, setting up a seemingly innocent question about paying taxes to Caesar to trap him.
These religious leaders start with a seemingly glowing praise. But what's really behind their words?
It’s easy to get caught up in kind words, but this passage reveals that not all compliments are genuine.
A Mask of Respect
The religious leaders approach Jesus with a carefully crafted question, prefacing it with, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.” They are trying to appear as respectful, humble learners seeking truth.
The Real Motive
But the context tells us otherwise. They’ve “watched him” and “sent forth spies” specifically to “entrap him in his words.” Their praise isn't about appreciating Jesus; it's a trap. They are hoping his answer will give them a reason to hand him over to the Roman authorities. This highlights how easily flattery can be used as a weapon when the heart isn't right.
They acknowledge Jesus's integrity, but what does it truly mean to 'teach rightly' and 'show no partiality'?
Being a faithful teacher means speaking God's truth without favoritism, no matter the cost.
Rigorous Honesty
The phrase 'teach rightly' (or 'uprightly' in some translations) suggests a teaching that is firm, unwavering, and strictly according to truth, not bending to popular opinion or personal gain. The commentaries mention 'rigidly, with any bending of the truth' and 'carest not for any man.'
Impartiality in Practice
When they say Jesus 'show no partiality' or 'acceptest thou the person of any,' they mean he doesn't favor the rich, the powerful, or those who agree with him. He treats everyone the same – with the truth of God's Word.
This demonstrates that a teacher who truly follows God’s way is characterized by an uncompromising commitment to truth and impartiality. They don't shy away from difficult topics or play favorites, even when it’s dangerous.
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.
The question about paying taxes to Caesar was a deliberately thorny political and religious trap. By asking Jesus this, his enemies aimed to force him into an untenable position, either alienating Roman authorities or his own people.
c. 63 BC
Roman Occupation of Judea
Rome conquers the region, establishing a period of Roman rule and taxation that deeply impacts Jewish society and religious life.
c. AD 20s - AD 30s
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering followers, often challenging the religious and political status quo.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus
Religious and political factions, including Pharisees (observant Jews) and Herodians (supporters of Herod's dynasty and Roman rule), conspire to trap Jesus, fearing his growing influence.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Following his arrest, Jesus is tried by Jewish and Roman authorities, leading to his execution on the cross.
This passage directly elaborates on the concept of 'not accepting persons,' highlighting that true faith doesn't show favoritism and God's impartial love.
Galatians 2:6Paul uses the exact same Greek phrase translated as 'not accepting persons' when discussing his apostleship, showing this principle of impartiality is a core tenet of God's way.
Deuteronomy 16:19This Old Testament law commands judges not to show partiality or accept bribes, reinforcing the ancient roots of Jesus' teaching on impartiality, which the questioners claim He upholds.
Matthew 22:16This parallel account in Matthew shows the same group of questioners, revealing their deceptive intent and their acknowledgment of Jesus' integrity and impartial teaching as a means to trap Him.
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 questioners aren't just asking a favor; they're setting a trap. By acknowledging Jesus teaches "rightly" and "truly," and doesn't "accept the person of any," they're subtly accusing Him of bias if He doesn't agree with their expected answer.
These religious leaders are not genuinely seeking truth; instead, they've sent spies to trick Jesus into saying something that could get him arrested by the Roman authorities. They try to flatter him by acknowledging his integrity and his truthful teaching of God's way, setting up a seemingly innocent question about paying taxes to Caesar to trap him.
These religious leaders are not genuinely seeking truth; instead, they've sent spies to trick Jesus into saying something that could get him arrested by the Roman authorities. They try to flatter him by acknowledging his integrity and his truthful teaching of God's way, setting up a seemingly innocent question about paying taxes to Caesar to trap him.
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"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 questioners aren't just asking a favor; they're setting a trap. By acknowledging Jesus teaches "rightly" and "truly," and doesn't "accept the person of any," they're subtly accusing Him of bias…
