Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, a "publican" refers to a tax collector, an individual responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman government. The term is derived from the Latin word "publicanus," which was used to describe those who managed public revenue. Publicans were often Jews who worked for the Roman authorities, and their role placed them in a complex social and religious position within Jewish society.Biblical Context and Role Publicans were generally despised by their fellow Jews for several reasons. Firstly, they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers, which made them traitors in the eyes of many. Secondly, the system of tax collection was rife with corruption. Publicans were known to overcharge taxpayers and keep the excess for themselves, leading to widespread resentment and accusations of extortion. Despite their negative reputation, publicans are mentioned several times in the New Testament, often in the context of Jesus' ministry. Jesus' interactions with publicans highlight His message of redemption and the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. Key Biblical References 1. Matthew 9:9-13: One of the most notable publicans in the New Testament is Matthew, also known as Levi, who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The Berean Standard Bible records, "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 passage illustrates Jesus' willingness to call individuals from all walks of life, including those marginalized by society, to be His disciples. 2. Luke 18:9-14: In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the publican. 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" (Luke 18:13). Jesus commends the publican's humility, teaching that true righteousness comes from a repentant heart. 3. Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus, another tax collector, is a central figure in this passage. As Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Him. Jesus called him down and went to his house, saying, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus led to his repentance and restitution, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's acceptance and love. Social and Religious Implications The presence of publicans in the Gospels serves as a powerful reminder of the radical nature of Jesus' ministry. By associating with tax collectors, Jesus challenged the prevailing social norms and religious exclusivity of His time. His actions underscored the message that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their social standing or past transgressions. Publicans, often grouped with "sinners" in the Gospels, symbolize the broader theme of redemption and the breaking down of barriers between the sacred and the secular. Jesus' outreach to publicans exemplifies His mission to seek and save the lost, offering hope and forgiveness to those who were often deemed irredeemable by society. Easton's Bible Dictionary One who farmed the taxes (e.g., Zacchaeus, Luke 19:2) to be levied from a town or district, and thus undertook to pay to the supreme government a certain amount. In order to collect the taxes, the publicans employed subordinates (5:27; 15:1; 18:10), who, for their own ends, were often guilty of extortion and peculation. In New Testament times these taxes were paid to the Romans, and hence were regarded by the Jews as a very heavy burden, and hence also the collectors of taxes, who were frequently Jews, were hated, and were usually spoken of in very opprobrious terms. Jesus was accused of being a "friend of publicans and sinners" (Luke 7:34). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A farmer of the taxes and public revenues; hence, a collector of toll or tribute. The inferior officers of this class were often oppressive in their exactions, and were regarded with great detestation.2. (n.) The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to retail beer, spirits, or wine. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PUBLICANpub'-li-kan. Greek 5057. telones -- tax collector ... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: telones Phonetic Spelling: (tel-o'-nace) Short Definition: a collector of taxes Definition: a publican, collector of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5057.htm - 7k 754. architelones -- a chief tax collector 3018. Leuis -- Levi. Library The Pharisee and Publican The Pharisee and the Publican. Conversion of Zacchaeus, a Publican The Pharisee and the Publican, Luke 18 10 &C. Matthew the Publican Called from the Custom-House. --Familial ... A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Call of Levi the Publican Christ in Relation to the Baptist. ... The Pharisee and Publican. Luke 18:10Ff. The Pharisee and the Publican. The Pharisee And Publican Thesaurus Publican (7 Occurrences)... wine. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PUBLICAN. pub'-li-kan. See TAX, TAXING. Multi-Version Concordance Publican (7 Occurrences). Matthew ... /p/publican.htm - 9k Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences) Toll (8 Occurrences) Taxing (3 Occurrences) Tax (43 Occurrences) Publicans (16 Occurrences) Parable (52 Occurrences) Neglect (19 Occurrences) Unjust (44 Occurrences) Jericho (59 Occurrences) Resources What is a publican in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org Who was Matthew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Publican: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Publican (7 Occurrences)Matthew 10:3 Matthew 18:17 Luke 5:27 Luke 18:10 Luke 18:11 Luke 18:13 Luke 19:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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