Mark 12:13
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus' opponents, the Pharisees and Herodians, were forced to ally because their intense hatred for Jesus outweighed their own bitter disagreements. This unlikely partnership reveals that sometimes the greatest threats come from those who put aside their own differences to target something they both fear.
This wasn't just a casual question; it was a setup orchestrated by two deeply opposed groups – the strict Pharisees and the pro-Roman Herodians. They united their bitter hatred for Jesus to corner him, hoping his answer would either alienate the Jewish people or get him in trouble with the Roman authorities.
Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious group known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions. They often acted as the theological and social opponents of Jesus, prioritizing legalistic righteousness over the heart-transformation offered by the Gospel.
Hērōdianoi · Greek Noun
A political group in first-century Palestine that supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, the Roman occupation. They were known for their pragmatic, worldly influence and were historical rivals to the Pharisees, though they united with them against Jesus.
This incident highlights the deep political and religious divisions within first-century Judaism, with the Pharisees (concerned with religious law and purity) and Herodians (supporters of Herod's dynasty and Roman rule) forming an unlikely alliance to trap Jesus.
c. 63 BC
Roman General Pompey Intervenes in Judea
Roman influence grows in Judea, eventually leading to direct Roman rule and taxation, a source of tension for many Jews.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies
The client king of Judea dies, and his kingdom is divided among his sons, further complicating the political landscape and Roman administration.
AD 6
Judea Becomes a Roman Province
Direct Roman governance is established in Judea, with Roman prefects (later procurators) appointed to rule, increasing the burden of Roman taxation and authority.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Galilee and Judea, challenging religious and political authorities and attracting large crowds.
This passage describes the same attempt by the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Jesus, highlighting their malicious intent to ensnare him with his own words.
Luke 20:20Luke's account also details this plot, emphasizing that Jesus, knowing their cunning, could not be caught by their carefully crafted questions.
Romans 13:1This verse from Paul's letter directly addresses the authority of governing authorities, offering a theological framework for Jesus's teaching on rendering to Caesar.
1 Peter 2:13-17Peter echoes Jesus's principle, urging believers to submit to governing authorities for the Lord's sake, whether emperor or governors.
expositorsMark 12:13-17: "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."
CHAPTER 12:13-17 (Mark 12:13-17)THE TRIBUTE MONEY "And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest not for any one: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesa…
ellicottMark 12:13: "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."
(13) They send unto him. —In Matthew the Pharisees are said to have “taken counsel,” or “held a council,” and then to have sent their disciples. Here the act appears more definitely as the result of a coalition of the two parties named. On the narrative as a whole, see Notes on Matthew 20:15-22 . To catch.—Better, to entrap.
Jesus' opponents, the Pharisees and Herodians, were forced to ally because their intense hatred for Jesus outweighed their own bitter disagreements. This unlikely partnership reveals that sometimes the greatest threats come from those who put aside their own differences to target something they both fear.
This wasn't just a casual question; it was a setup orchestrated by two deeply opposed groups – the strict Pharisees and the pro-Roman Herodians. They united their bitter hatred for Jesus to corner him, hoping his answer would either alienate the Jewish people or get him in trouble with the Roman authorities.
"And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk." — Jesus' opponents, the Pharisees and Herodians, were forced to ally because their intense hatred for Jesus outweighed their own bitter disagreements. This unlikely partnership reveals that sometimes t…
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Confrontation in Jerusalem
During Passover week in Jerusalem, Jesus engages in significant confrontations with the religious leaders, leading to his arrest and crucifixion.
