Even tax collectors came to be baptized.
Tax collectors in the time of Jesus were often despised by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman authorities and were seen as traitors. They were known for collecting more than required, enriching themselves at the expense of their fellow Jews. The fact that tax collectors came to be baptized indicates a significant movement of repentance and transformation. This act of coming to John the Baptist for baptism shows their acknowledgment of sin and desire for a new way of life. It highlights the inclusive nature of John's message, which called all people, regardless of their social standing or past actions, to repentance. This moment foreshadows the later ministry of Jesus, who frequently associated with tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing the availability of God's grace to all (e.g., Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 19:1-10).

“Teacher,” they asked,
The use of the term "Teacher" shows respect and recognition of John's authority as a spiritual leader. In Jewish culture, teachers or rabbis were highly respected figures who provided guidance on religious and ethical matters. By addressing John as "Teacher," the tax collectors demonstrate their willingness to learn and change. This title also connects to the broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus is often referred to as "Teacher," indicating a continuity in the role of guiding people towards righteousness.

“what should we do?”
This question reflects a genuine desire for practical guidance on how to live a life that aligns with the repentance they are expressing through baptism. It shows an openness to change and a willingness to take actionable steps towards righteousness. This inquiry is reminiscent of other instances in the Bible where individuals seek specific instructions on how to live according to God's will (e.g., Acts 2:37, where the crowd asks Peter, "Brothers, what shall we do?"). It underscores the transformative power of repentance, which is not just about feeling remorse but also about making concrete changes in behavior. This question sets the stage for John's ethical teachings, which emphasize fairness and integrity, particularly relevant for tax collectors known for their corrupt practices.

1. Tax Collectors
In the context of first-century Judea, tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman authorities and were known for extorting money. Their presence in this passage highlights the inclusive nature of John the Baptist's call to repentance.

2. John the Baptist
A central figure in this passage, John was a prophet who preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. His message was one of preparation for the coming Messiah.

3. Baptism
This was a significant act of repentance and purification. In the Jewish context, it symbolized a turning away from sin and a commitment to a new way of life.

4. The Jordan River
A significant location for Jewish history and symbolism, the Jordan River was where John conducted his baptisms. It represents a place of transition and new beginnings.

5. Repentance
A key theme in John's ministry, repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to righteous living.Inclusivity of the Gospel
The fact that tax collectors came to be baptized shows that the call to repentance is open to all, regardless of social status or past sins.

Genuine Repentance
True repentance involves a change of heart and behavior. It is not merely about feeling sorry but about taking actionable steps towards righteousness.

Seeking Guidance
The tax collectors' question, "What should we do?" reflects a desire for practical guidance in living out their repentance. This is a model for believers to seek wisdom and direction in their spiritual journey.

Transformation through Christ
While John's baptism was a call to repentance, it pointed forward to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life.(12) Then came also publicans.--The other Gospels do not mention the presence of this class in their narratives of the Baptist's work, but it is implied in Matthew 21:32.

Verse 12. - Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? This is the first time this class of men, who on several occasions come before us in the gospel story, is mentioned. The English rendering is most unhappy, for to many of our people it either suggests nothing, or else supplies a wrong chain of reasoning. The τελῶναι, the Latin publicani (whence our rendering), were men who collected the Roman taxes or imposts. These imperial taxes, the most painful and everpresent reminder to the Jew of his subject and dependent position, were in the first instance leased out to jobbers and speculators of the equestrian order; these were properly the publicani. Beneath them and in their employ were a numerous staff who performed for these farmers of the imperial revenue the various disagreeable duties connected with the collection of the taxes. Then, as now in the East, bribery, corruption, oppression, and unfair dealing, were too common among all ranks of officials First, then, the duty itself, the being concerned in the collection of a tribute - for that is what these taxes really were - for Gentile Rome, and, secondly, the various iniquities connected with the gathering of this tribute, made the tax or tribute collectors of all ranks odious among the Jews dwelling in Palestine. Many of the posts, especially the subordinate ones, in this department of tribute and taxes, were held by Jews, in all ages singularly gifted in matters which have to do with finance. The Jew, however in the days of John the Baptist, who could stoop to such an employment, lucrative though it might be, was looked upon by his stricter fellow-countrymen with feelings of intense scorn. Yet even these men are not bidden by this inspired prophet of the Highest to change their way of life, but only its manner. "Would you," he says to these men who belonged to the hated calling, "indeed wash and be clean in the eyes of the All-Seeing? then in that profession of yours, remember, be scrupulous, be honest."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

tax collectors
τελῶναι (telōnai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5057: A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.

came
Ἦλθον (Ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to be baptized.
βαπτισθῆναι (baptisthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

“Teacher,”
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

they asked,
εἶπαν (eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“what
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

should we do?”
ποιήσωμεν (poiēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.


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NT Gospels: Luke 3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized (Luke Lu Lk)