Regarding the alleged tension between Paul's advice on paying taxes and Jesus' instructions on the temple tax, it is important to consider the social context of these verses: The latter refers to the temple tax of the Jews, in support of their religious obligations to the temple -- Jesus indicates that his followers need not pay THIS tax (though he DOES make a way for Peter to do so!) because of their status with him; Paul is referring to taxes paid to the Roman state for things like roads and services.