Topical Encyclopedia Publicans, or tax collectors, were individuals in ancient Judea who collected taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire. They were often Jews themselves, but their role as agents of the occupying Roman authorities made them objects of scorn and disdain among their fellow Jews. The publicans were notorious for their corrupt practices, frequently overcharging taxpayers and pocketing the excess. This reputation for greed and collaboration with the oppressors contributed to their social ostracism.In the New Testament, publicans are frequently mentioned in the context of Jesus Christ's ministry. The Gospels highlight the tension between Jesus' association with these individuals and the prevailing Jewish sentiment towards them. The Jewish leaders and many of the people viewed publicans as sinners and traitors, unworthy of respect or fellowship. One of the most notable instances of Jesus' interaction with a publican is found in the calling of Matthew, also known as Levi. In Matthew 9:9-13 , Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, which Matthew does immediately. This act of grace and inclusion is met with criticism from the Pharisees, who question Jesus' choice to dine with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13). Another significant encounter is with Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. In Luke 19:1-10 , Zacchaeus 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 prompts grumbling among the crowd, who are displeased that Jesus would associate with a sinner. However, Zacchaeus demonstrates repentance and a change of heart, pledging to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has defrauded fourfold. Jesus declares, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:9-10). The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 further illustrates the contrast between societal perceptions and divine grace. In the parable, a Pharisee and a tax collector go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asks for God's mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, is justified before God, emphasizing the value of humility and repentance over self-righteousness. These accounts underscore the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which often defied social norms and expectations. By associating with publicans, Jesus demonstrated the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God and His mission to reach the marginalized and despised. His actions challenged the prevailing attitudes of the time, offering a message of hope and redemption to those considered beyond the reach of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 9:11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, Why eats your Master with publicans and sinners? Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 11:19 Library The Sinner's Friend The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. 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 |
    |