Topical Encyclopedia Publicans, often referred to as tax collectors in the New Testament, were individuals employed by the Roman government to collect taxes from the Jewish populace. They were generally despised by their fellow Jews, as they were seen as collaborators with the occupying Roman forces and were often associated with corruption and extortion. Despite their negative reputation, the Gospels record that many publicans were drawn to the message of repentance preached by John the Baptist and received his baptism.John the Baptist's ministry was characterized by a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. His message resonated with a wide array of people, including those marginalized by society, such as the publicans. In the Gospel of Luke, it is noted that publicans came to be baptized by John, seeking guidance on how to live righteously. "Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 'Teacher,' they asked, 'what should we do?' 'Collect no more than you are authorized,' he answered" (Luke 3:12-13). This interaction highlights John's call for ethical conduct and integrity, even among those whose professions were often associated with dishonesty. The willingness of publicans to receive John's baptism is significant, as it demonstrates their openness to transformation and their desire to align themselves with God's will. This openness is further illustrated in the ministry of Jesus, who frequently associated with tax collectors and sinners, much to the chagrin of the religious leaders of the time. Jesus' interactions with publicans, such as Levi (also known as Matthew) and Zacchaeus, underscore the theme of redemption and the breaking down of social barriers. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, and Levi responds by leaving his post and hosting a banquet for Jesus in his home. "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 following Jesus signifies a profound change in Matthew's life, moving from a life of perceived sinfulness to one of discipleship. Similarly, the account of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke further illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' message. Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus as He passes by. Jesus calls Zacchaeus down and announces His intention to stay at his house. This encounter leads to Zacchaeus' repentance and restitution: "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 affirms Zacchaeus' salvation, declaring, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). The inclusion of publicans in the narrative of the Gospels serves as a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. Despite their societal status and the disdain they faced, many publicans responded to the call of repentance and embraced the transformative message of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Their accounts are a reminder of the grace and redemption available to all who seek it, regardless of their past. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 3:12Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do? Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 7:29 Library Relations of the Pharisees and Sadducees to the Baptist. Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost The Temple Cleansed Again John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Spirit and Power of Elias. On Baptism. John's Rebuke of Herod. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... The Gospel of Matthew Index of Subjects. 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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