Every first-born son must be redeemed for five shekels according to Mosaic law. [1] Peter caught a fish with a shekel in its mouth, fulfilling Jesus's half-humorous remark. [2] Jews licensed to exchange silver shekels profaned temple by banking and commerce within. [3]
The temple tax of one-half shekel was a burden for Jesus and his followers, as their pay dwindled and the money-changers profited from their exchanges in the courts of the temple. [4]
The Jewish coin for temple dues, with the size of a 10 cent piece but twice as thick, led to licensed money-changers profiting within the temple precincts. [5]