Topical Encyclopedia Publicans, known in modern terms as tax collectors, were individuals responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire during the time of the New Testament. They were often Jews who worked for the occupying Roman authorities, which made them unpopular among their fellow countrymen. The role of publicans is frequently mentioned in the Gospels, where they are often depicted as sinners and outcasts due to their association with extortion and corruption.Biblical Context and Reputation Publicans were notorious for their dishonest practices. They were known to collect more than what was required, pocketing the excess for themselves. This reputation for extortion is highlighted in several passages of the New Testament. In Luke 3:12-13 , when tax collectors came to be baptized by John the Baptist, they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" John replied, "Collect no more than you are authorized." The disdain for publicans is further illustrated in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14 . The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector." In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven, and beat his breast, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" This parable underscores the common perception of publicans as sinners, yet it also highlights the possibility of repentance and humility. Jesus' Interaction with Publicans Despite their reputation, Jesus often associated with publicans, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost. In Matthew 9:10-11 , Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus responded by emphasizing His purpose: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." One of the most notable publicans in the New Testament is Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. In Luke 19:1-10 , Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who then invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house. This encounter led to Zacchaeus' repentance and restitution, as he declared, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." Jesus affirmed Zacchaeus' transformation, saying, "Today salvation has come to this house." Publicans in Parables and Teachings Publicans are often used in Jesus' parables to illustrate broader spiritual truths. In Matthew 21:31-32 , Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, concluding with a pointed message to the religious leaders: "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did." The inclusion of publicans in Jesus' teachings serves to challenge societal norms and religious self-righteousness. It underscores the message of grace and redemption available to all, regardless of their past actions or societal status. Conclusion Publicans, while often guilty of extortion and viewed with contempt, play a significant role in the New Testament narrative. Their interactions with Jesus highlight themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of grace. Through these accounts, the New Testament presents a radical message of inclusion and redemption, challenging believers to extend grace to all, even those deemed unworthy by societal standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11 The Conversion of Zaccheus The Voice in the Wilderness The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican part ii 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 |
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