Topical Encyclopedia Publicans, in the context of the New Testament, were tax collectors employed by the Roman Empire to collect taxes from the Jewish populace. Their role and reputation are frequently mentioned in the Gospels, where they are often depicted as disreputable figures. The term "publican" is derived from the Latin word "publicanus," referring to those who managed public revenue.Historical Context During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the collection of taxes was a significant aspect of Roman governance. The Roman authorities would often employ local individuals to collect taxes, and these individuals were known as publicans. The system was prone to abuse, as publicans were known to overcharge and extort money from the people, keeping the excess for themselves. This practice led to widespread resentment and disdain among the Jewish population. Biblical References Publicans are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in a negative light. They are commonly associated with "sinners" and are seen as outcasts within Jewish society. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus acknowledges the disreputable status of publicans, saying, "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him" (Matthew 21:32). This passage highlights the transformative power of repentance and faith, even among those considered morally corrupt. In another instance, Jesus uses the figure of a publican to illustrate humility and repentance in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus commends the publican's humility, contrasting it with the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. Jesus' Association with Publicans One of the most notable aspects of Jesus' ministry was His willingness to associate with publicans, which often drew criticism from the religious leaders of the time. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples. "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him" (Matthew 9:9). This act of calling a publican to be a disciple underscores Jesus' message of redemption and inclusivity. Furthermore, Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners, an act that scandalized the Pharisees and scribes. "When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" (Matthew 9:11). Jesus' response, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12), emphasizes His mission to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social standing or past transgressions. Zacchaeus: A Case Study The account of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, further illustrates the transformative impact of Jesus' ministry on publicans. Zacchaeus, upon encountering Jesus, demonstrates genuine repentance and a desire to make restitution for his wrongdoings. "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold'" (Luke 19:8). Jesus' declaration, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9), affirms the possibility of redemption for even the most disreputable individuals. Conclusion In summary, publicans in the New Testament are emblematic of societal outcasts who, despite their disreputable status, are not beyond the reach of God's grace. Through Jesus' interactions with them, the Gospels convey a powerful message of repentance, humility, and the transformative power of faith. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 5:46,47For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same? Nave's Topical Index Matthew 9:11 Matthew 11:19 Matthew 18:17 Matthew 21:31 Luke 18:11 Library The Publicans' Friend The Call of Matthew The Parable of the Lost Sheep 'That which was Lost' Rom. xiv. 25-27 Matthew. The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... The Story of God's Mighty Acts The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. Resources What is a publican in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org Does salvation affect more than just the afterlife? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Publicans: Change Their Ways Because of the Preaching of John the Baptist Publicans: Chiefs of, Were Very Rich Publicans: Many of Attended the Preaching of Christ Publicans: Many of Believed the Preaching of John Publicans: Many of Embraced the Gospel Publicans: Many of Received John's Baptism Publicans: Matthew the Apostle Was of Publicans: Matthew, the Tax Collector of Capernaum, Becomes an Apostle Publicans: Often Guilty of Extortion Publicans: Often Kind to Their Friends Publicans: Suspected of Extortion Publicans: The Collectors of the Public Taxes Publicans: The Jews: Classed With the Most Infamous Characters Publicans: The Jews: Despised Our Lord for Associating With Publicans: Zacchaeus, Chief Among, Receives Jesus Into his House Related Terms |
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