While Jesus was at this time in Capernaum, the officer who collected from the Jews the tax for the Temple came to Peter and said:
"Does not your Master pay the Temple tax?"
"Yes," answered Peter.
But when he went into the house, before he could speak, Jesus said to him,
"Tell me, Simon, from whom do the kings of this world take taxes? From their sons, or from foreigners?"
"From foreigners," answered Peter.
"Then their own people are free from being taxed, are they not? We are the sons of God, and we should be free from the tax for the house of God. However, in order not to displease them, do you go to the sea, throw in a hook and take the first fish that comes up; open its mouth, and you will find in it a piece of silver money. Take that and give it to the tax collectors for you and me."