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Tribute, Not Taxes
- The Jewish debate about paying taxes wasn't about money, but idolatry.
- It concerned the tribute coin, a receipt proving tribute paid to Caesar, used for incense offerings.
Varied Views on Tribute
- Different Jewish groups had varying views on the tribute coin, from acceptance to violent rejection.
- Pharisees were split, following Hillel's or Shammai's interpretations.
Hillel and Shammai on Tribute
- Shammai's Pharisees saw the tribute coin as idolatry, demanding refusal.
- Hillel argued that rulers are appointed by God; buying the coin returns what God gave.