And they watched him For an elucidation of this paragraph, see on Matthew 22:16-22, and Mark 12:13-17; and sent spies, which should feign themselves just men Men scrupulously conscientious in every point: that they might take hold of his words If he answered as they hoped he would. Master, we know then sayest, &c. Speakest in private, and teachest in public; the way of God truly The true path of duty. They could not take hold of his words before the people As they did afterward before the sanhedrim, in the absence of the people, chap. Luke 22:67, &c.
Luke 20:20-26
20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:a
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,Why tempt ye me?
24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
25 And he said unto them,Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.