In biblical times, the tax-office was a place where taxes were collected from the populace. The concept of taxation is evident throughout the Bible, reflecting the socio-political and economic structures of ancient societies. Tax collectors, often referred to as publicans, were responsible for gathering these taxes, and they frequently operated from tax-offices.

Old Testament Context

While the term "tax-office" is not explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament, the practice of taxation is well-documented. For instance, during the reign of Solomon, the kingdom was divided into districts, each responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household (1 Kings 4:7). This system implies a form of taxation, though it was more about resource allocation than monetary tax collection.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, tax-offices become more prominent, particularly under Roman rule. The Roman Empire imposed various taxes on its provinces, including Judea. Tax collectors were often Jews who worked for the Roman authorities, and they were generally despised by their fellow Jews for their association with the occupying power and their reputation for corruption and extortion.

One of the most notable references to a tax-office is found in the calling of Matthew, also known as Levi. In Matthew 9:9 , it is written: "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." This passage highlights the tax-office as a place of transformation, where Matthew left his old life to become a disciple of Jesus.

Another significant mention is in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14. Here, the tax collector, standing at a distance, humbly prays for mercy, contrasting with the self-righteous Pharisee. This parable underscores the social stigma attached to tax collectors and the potential for redemption and humility.

Cultural and Religious Implications

The tax-office, as a symbol, represents the intersection of economic, political, and religious life in biblical times. Tax collectors were often seen as sinners due to their collaboration with the Romans and their perceived greed. However, the New Testament narrative frequently uses tax collectors to illustrate themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry.

In Luke 19:1-10, the account of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, further illustrates this point. Zacchaeus, upon meeting Jesus, repents and vows to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay those he has defrauded fourfold. Jesus' acceptance of Zacchaeus demonstrates the transformative power of grace and the breaking down of social barriers.

Conclusion

The tax-office in biblical times was more than just a place of economic transaction; it was a focal point of social tension and spiritual opportunity. Through the narratives involving tax collectors, the Bible reveals the potential for redemption and the expansive reach of divine grace.5058. telonion -- tax office
... tax office. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: telonion Phonetic Spelling:
(tel-o'-nee-on) Short Definition: a tax-collector's office Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5058.htm - 6k

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Some of them stayed here for as long as three months. Joseph came rather late
to the tax office, but was treated in quite a friendly way. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... and a fountain. In this place I saw Roman soldiers; they were there because
of the tax office which was in the building. When the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Tax-office (3 Occurrences)
Tax-office. Taxing, Tax-office. Teach . Multi-Version Concordance
Tax-office (3 Occurrences). Matthew 9:9 And Jesus, passing ...
/t/tax-office.htm - 7k

Office (64 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax
office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him. ...
/o/office.htm - 30k

Booth (9 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax
office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him. ...
/b/booth.htm - 11k

Risen (169 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:9 And Jesus passing by thence, saw a man sitting at the tax-office, named
Matthew, and saith to him, 'Be following me,' and he, having risen, did ...
/r/risen.htm - 35k

Levi (79 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax
office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him. ...
/l/levi.htm - 35k

Follow (267 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax
office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him. ...
/f/follow.htm - 38k

Sitting (201 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax
office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him. ...
/s/sitting.htm - 40k

Says (1491 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:9 And Jesus, passing on thence, saw a man sitting at the tax-office, called
Matthew, and says to him, Follow me. And he rose up and followed him. ...
/s/says.htm - 34k

Toll (8 Occurrences)
... Levi the publican was stationed at such a taxoffice (Matthew 9:9 Mark 2:14 Luke
5:27); compare telones, a "tax collector" or "publican." The tax which the ...
/t/toll.htm - 11k

Passing (177 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV RSV). Mark 2:14 And passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus
sitting at the tax-office, and says to him, Follow me. ...
/p/passing.htm - 36k

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