Mark 6:2

6:2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. 1  Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? 2  And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands?

Mark 12:14

12:14 When they came they said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality 3  but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 4  Is it right 5  to pay taxes 6  to Caesar 7  or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

1 sn See the note on synagogue in 1:21. Jesus undoubtedly took the opportunity on this occasion to speak about his person and mission, and the relation of both to OT fulfillment.

2 tn Or “this teaching”; Grk “these things.” The response of the people centers upon the content of Jesus’ teaching, so the phrase “these ideas” was supplied in the text to make this clear.

3 tn Grk “and it is not a concern to you about anyone because you do not see the face of men.”

4 sn Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Very few comments are as deceitful as this one; they did not really believe this at all. The question of the Pharisees and Herodians was specifically designed to trap Jesus.

5 tn Or “lawful,” that is, in accordance with God’s divine law. On the syntax of ἔξεστιν (exestin) with an infinitive and accusative, see BDF §409.3.

6 tn According to L&N 57.180 the term κῆνσος (khnso") was borrowed from Latin and referred to a poll tax, a tax paid by each adult male to the Roman government.

sn This question concerning taxes was specifically designed to trap Jesus. If he answered yes, then his opponents could publicly discredit him as a sympathizer with Rome. If he answered no, then they could go to the Roman governor and accuse Jesus of rebellion.

7 tn Or “the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).