Matthew 17:24 Commentary - Abbott's Illustrated New Testament

Verse 24

Came to Peter. This seems to have taken place at Peter's house, where our Savior probably resided. For after Jesus left Nazareth, at the commencement of his public ministry, he made Capernaum his residence, (Matthew 4:13;) and for some time afterwards he made this city the centre of his movements and operations; it became, consequently, the scene of very many of his instructions and miracles. (Matthew 11:23.) Peter had a house in this city,--originally the dwelling of his wife's mother, (Matthew 8:14,) he himself being formerly of Bethsaida. (John 1:44.) This house of Peter"s was probably the place which Jesus made his is home when at Capernaum, and is several times spoken of as "the house." (Mark 2:1,9:33.) It was natural, therefore, that the officers should propose this question to Peter in respect to his master and guest.--Tribute. From the form of the expression used in the original, which is different from that employed in Matthew 22:17, where tribute due to Cesar is spoken of, this is supposed to have been a Jewish, not a Roman tax,--assessed for the payment of expenses connected with the worship of the temple.