Topical Bible: Publicans: The Jews: Classed With the Most Infamous Characters

◄ Publicans: The Jews: Classed With the Most Infamous Characters ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Publicans, in the context of the New Testament, were tax collectors employed by the Roman authorities to collect taxes from the Jewish populace. These individuals were often Jews themselves, which added to the disdain with which they were regarded by their fellow countrymen. The role of a publican was fraught with moral and social complexities, as they were seen as collaborators with the occupying Roman forces and were often accused of extortion and corruption.

Social and Religious Context

In Jewish society, publicans were classed with the most infamous characters, often mentioned alongside sinners and other outcasts. Their work for the Roman government placed them in direct opposition to the nationalistic and religious sentiments of the Jewish people, who longed for liberation from Roman rule. The publicans' reputation for dishonesty and greed further alienated them from the community. This is evident in the Gospel accounts, where publicans are frequently mentioned in lists of those considered morally and spiritually corrupt.

Biblical References

The Gospel of Matthew provides a clear depiction of the publicans' social standing. In Matthew 9:10-11 , it is recorded: "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" This passage highlights the disdain the Pharisees had for publicans, equating them with sinners and questioning Jesus' association with them.

In Luke 18:10-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the humility of the publican in contrast to the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. The publican, standing at a distance, would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." This parable underscores the potential for repentance and redemption, even for those considered the most despised.

Jesus' Ministry and Publicans

Despite their lowly status, publicans were not beyond the reach of Jesus' ministry. In fact, Jesus' interactions with publicans were a testament to His message of grace and redemption. One of the most notable examples is the calling of Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples (Matthew 9:9). This act was a radical demonstration of Jesus' willingness to extend His call to those marginalized by society.

Another significant encounter is with Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in Jericho. In Luke 19:1-10 , Zacchaeus' eagerness to see Jesus and his subsequent repentance and restitution highlight the transformative power of Jesus' message. Jesus' declaration, "Today salvation has come to this house," affirms the possibility of redemption for even the most reviled individuals.

Conclusion

Publicans, as depicted in the New Testament, were emblematic of the moral and social challenges faced by the Jewish people under Roman occupation. Their association with sin and corruption placed them among the most infamous characters in Jewish society. However, the Gospel narratives reveal a profound message of hope and redemption, as Jesus reached out to these outcasts, offering them a place in the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:19
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:32
For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook