26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
26 "From others," Peter answered. "Then the children are exempt," Jesus said to him.
26 And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
26 He answered, "His subjects." Jesus said, "Then the children get off free, right?
26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
26 "They tax the people they have conquered," Peter replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 17:26
Commentary on Matthew 17:24-27
(Read Matthew 17:24-27)
Peter felt sure that his Master was ready to do what was right. Christ spoke first to give him proof that no thought can be withholden from him. We must never decline our duty for fear of giving offence; but we must sometimes deny ourselves in our worldly interests, rather than give offence. However the money was lodged in the fish, He who knows all things alone could know it, and only almighty power could bring it to Peter's hook. The power and the poverty of Christ should be mentioned together. If called by providence to be poor, like our Lord, let us trust in his power, and our God shall supply all our need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. In the way of obedience, in the course, perhaps, of our usual calling, as he helped Peter, so he will help us. And if any sudden call should occur, which we are not prepared to meet, let us not apply to others, till we first seek Christ.