Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, a tax-gatherer, often referred to as a "publican" in some translations, was an individual responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman authorities. These individuals were typically Jews who worked under the Roman government, collecting various taxes from their fellow countrymen. The role of a tax-gatherer was fraught with social and religious implications, as they were often viewed with disdain and considered traitors by their fellow Jews.Historical Context During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Roman Empire imposed several taxes on its provinces. Tax-gatherers were employed to collect these taxes, which included land taxes, customs duties, and poll taxes. The Roman system allowed tax-gatherers to collect more than the required amount, enabling them to profit personally. This practice led to widespread corruption and abuse, further tarnishing their reputation among the Jewish populace. Social and Religious Perception Tax-gatherers were generally despised by the Jewish community. They were often associated with sinners and were considered ritually unclean due to their frequent interactions with Gentiles and their perceived betrayal of Jewish national interests. The Pharisees, in particular, viewed them as morally and religiously corrupt, often lumping them together with "sinners" in their teachings and public discourse. In the Gospels, tax-gatherers are frequently mentioned in contexts that highlight their low social standing. For example, in Matthew 9:10-11 , we read: "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?'" Notable Tax-gatherers in the New Testament 1. Matthew (Levi): One of the most well-known tax-gatherers in the New Testament is Matthew, also known as Levi. He was called by Jesus to be one of His twelve apostles. Matthew's calling is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society. In Matthew 9:9 , it is recorded: "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." 2. Zacchaeus: Another prominent tax-gatherer is Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. His encounter with Jesus is recorded in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus, known for his wealth and short stature, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Jesus called him down and chose to stay at his house, leading to Zacchaeus' repentance and restitution. This account illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and His mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus' Teachings and Parables Jesus often used tax-gatherers in His teachings and parables to illustrate profound spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector, who acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's mercy. This parable underscores the theme of humility and repentance, highlighting that God's grace is available to all who genuinely seek it. In another instance, Jesus uses the example of a tax-gatherer to teach about love and forgiveness. In Matthew 5:46-47 , He states: "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?" Conclusion The role of tax-gatherers in the New Testament serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' inclusive ministry and His call to repentance and transformation. Despite their social stigma, tax-gatherers were recipients of Jesus' love and grace, illustrating the boundless reach of the Gospel message. Greek 754. architelones -- a chief tax collector ... Masculine Transliteration: architelones Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khee-tel-o'-nace) Short Definition: head of a custom-house, chief tax-gatherer Definition: head ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/754.htm - 6k 5058. telonion -- tax office 5057. telones -- tax collector 2195. Zakchaios -- Zaccheus, a tax collector Library The Pharisee and the Tax-Gatherer. And after Such Statements, Showing his Ignorance Even of the ... Following Jesus. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... The Story of the Stranger at the Well Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas. The Apostles Chosen Conversion of Zacchaeus, a Publican Self-Inspection. From Maximian, God, the Avenger of Religion and of his People... Thesaurus Tax-gatherer (7 Occurrences)Tax-gatherer. Tax-farmers, Tax-gatherer. Tax-gatherers . Multi-Version Concordance Tax-gatherer (7 Occurrences). Matthew ... /t/tax-gatherer.htm - 8k Matthew (5 Occurrences) Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences) Tax-farmers (14 Occurrences) Zacchae'us (3 Occurrences) Noticed (19 Occurrences) Follows (65 Occurrences) Tax-office (3 Occurrences) Toll (8 Occurrences) Thief (41 Occurrences) Resources Why does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the temple tax? | GotQuestions.org Why do governments allow churches to be tax-exempt? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tax-gatherer (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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