17 ²⁴ On their arrival at Capernaum the collectors of the temple-tax came up to Peter and asked, 'Does your master not pay temple-tax?' 17 ²⁵ 'He does', said Peter. When he went indoors Jesus forestalled him by asking, 'What do you think about this, Simon? From whom do earthly monarchs collect tax or toll? From their own citizens, or from aliens?' 17 ²⁶ 'From aliens', said Peter. 'Why then,' said Jesus, 'the citizens are exempt! 17 ²⁷ But as we do not want to cause difficulty for these people, go and cast a line in the lake; take the first fish that comes to the hook, open its mouth, and you will find a silver coin; take that and pay it in; it will meet the tax for us both.'