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. They were often despised by their fellow Jews for their association with the occupying Roman forces and for their reputation of extortion and greed. Despite their social standing, many publicans were drawn to the message of Jesus Christ and embraced the Gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of His teachings.Role and Reputation Publicans were responsible for collecting various taxes, including customs duties and tolls. They were often Jews who worked under the Roman authorities, and their position allowed them to collect more than what was required, keeping the excess for themselves. This practice led to widespread corruption and resentment among the Jewish people. The publicans were often grouped with "sinners" in the Gospels, highlighting their low social and moral standing in Jewish society (Matthew 9:10-11). Jesus' Ministry and Publicans Despite their reputation, Jesus did not shun publicans. Instead, He reached out to them, offering them the hope of redemption and a new life. One of the most notable publicans who embraced the Gospel was Matthew, also known as Levi. Matthew was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples while he was sitting at the tax booth. In response, Matthew left everything behind and followed Him (Matthew 9:9). This act of leaving his lucrative position demonstrated a profound commitment to Jesus and His message. Another significant encounter between Jesus and a publican is the account of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Him. Jesus called Zacchaeus down and chose to stay at his house, an act that surprised many due to Zacchaeus' status as a sinner. Moved by Jesus' acceptance, Zacchaeus pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had defrauded fourfold (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus' house, affirming the transformative impact of His ministry on publicans. Parables and Teachings Jesus often used publicans in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector. The publican, standing at a distance, would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus declared that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified before God (Luke 18:9-14). This parable underscores the theme of repentance and God's willingness to forgive those who humbly seek His mercy. Acceptance in the Early Church The early Christian community continued to embrace publicans who turned to Christ. The Gospel's message of forgiveness and new life was extended to all, regardless of their past. The inclusion of publicans in the early Church exemplified the breaking down of social barriers and the unifying power of the Gospel. The transformation of publicans like Matthew and Zacchaeus serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and the radical change that faith in Him can bring about in individuals' lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 21:31Whether of them two did the will of his father? They say to him, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Timothy i. 14-Dec The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber The Penitent Thief The Prodigal Son. The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church. The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor. God Hath Made Manifest The Life of Christ. The True Nonconformist. 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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