Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

“The Things Which Are Caesar’s”

Holding in His hand the Roman coin, upon which were stamped the name and image of Caesar, He declared that since they were living under the protection of the Roman power, they should render to that power the support it claimed, so long as this did not conflict with a higher duty. But while peaceably subject to the laws of the land, they should at all times give their first allegiance to God.—The Desire of Ages, 602. SPCCSR 29.1

When the Pharisees heard Christ’s answer, “they marveled, and left him, and went their way.” He had rebuked their hypocrisy and presumption, and in doing this He had stated a great principle, a principle that clearly defines the limits of man’s duty to the civil government and his duty to God. In many minds a vexed question had been settled. Ever after they held to the right principle. And although many went away dissatisfied, they saw that the principle underlying the question had been clearly set forth, and they marveled at Christ’s far-seeing discernment.—The Desire of Ages, 602, 603. SPCCSR 29.2