The phrase “Peter fish coin” refers to a story in the New Testament (Matthew 17:24-27) where Jesus instructs the Apostle Peter to catch a fish, and upon opening its mouth, Peter finds a coin to pay the temple tax for both of them.
Here’s a breakdown of the story and its significance:
- The Temple Tax: This was a two-drachma tax levied on every adult male Jew for the maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- The Question to Peter: Tax collectors approached Peter and asked if Jesus paid the temple tax. Peter answered “Yes”.
- Jesus’ Instruction: When Peter returned, Jesus, aware of the conversation, asked Peter from whom earthly kings collect taxes – their own children or others. Peter answered, “From others”. Jesus then declared that the “children are exempt”. However, to avoid causing offense, Jesus told Peter to go fishing, and in the mouth of the first fish he caught, he would find a four-drachma coin (enough for both taxes).
- The Miracle: Peter obeyed, and a fish with the coin was found, allowing them to pay the tax.
- Divine Power and Provision: This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and knowledge, showing his ability to provide for their needs even in an unconventional way.
- Sonship to God: Jesus’ statement about the exemption of children from taxes emphasizes his sonship to God and therefore his freedom from the obligation to pay the temple tax (which was an ecclesiastical impost for God’s house).
- Avoidance of Offense: Despite being exempt, Jesus chose to pay the tax to avoid causing offense or becoming a stumbling block for those of weak faith.
- Lesson for Peter and Disciples: This miracle served as a teaching moment for Peter and the other disciples, reinforcing their understanding of Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God and His power to discern and command even the natural world.
- Ultimate Ransom: The miracle can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive mission, in which He would pay the ultimate “ransom” for humanity through his death and resurrection.
This event is sometimes referenced in religious art, literature, and discussions on faith, divine provision, and Christian living.
What is the significance of the coin in the fish’s mouth?
Good point! The coin in the fish’s mouth anticipates the climactic supply of blessing through the death and resurrection of Christ. A dramatic reiteration of this principle was appropriate in the context of the temple tax. The temple was the temple of God. As such, it foreshadowed Christ, whose body is the temple (John 2:21).
Where in the Bible does it say Peter finds a coin in the fish?
However, so as not to give them a bad example, go to the sea, cast a hook, catch the first fish that bites, open its mouth, and you will find a silver coin. Take it and pay them for me and for you” ( Mt 17:24-27 ).
How many coins did Peter find in the fish?
Jesus assures Peter he will find a four-drachma coin in the fish’s mouth. The coin was needed to pay the local temple tax, which every Israelite was required to pay to the temple in Jerusalem.