Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, "publicans" refers to tax collectors who were employed by the Roman authorities to collect taxes from the Jewish population. These individuals were often despised by their fellow Jews due to their association with the Roman occupiers and their reputation for corruption and extortion. The term "chief publicans" or "chief tax collectors" denotes those who held positions of authority over other tax collectors, often amassing significant wealth in the process.One of the most notable chief publicans mentioned in the Bible is Zacchaeus. His account is found in the Gospel of Luke, where he is described as a wealthy man due to his position. Luke 19:2 states, "And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy." Zacchaeus's wealth is indicative of the lucrative nature of the tax collection business, especially for those in positions of leadership. The wealth of chief publicans often came from the practice of overcharging taxpayers and keeping the surplus for themselves. This practice was not only tolerated but expected, as the Roman system allowed tax collectors to collect more than the required amount as their fee. This led to widespread corruption and resentment among the Jewish people, who viewed publicans as traitors and sinners. Despite their wealth and status, chief publicans were often marginalized within Jewish society. They were considered ritually unclean and were excluded from religious and social activities. This is evident in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector found in Luke 18:10-14 , where the tax collector is portrayed as humble and repentant, in contrast to the self-righteous Pharisee. The encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus highlights the transformative power of grace and repentance. In Luke 19:8 , Zacchaeus responds to Jesus's call by saying, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." This act of restitution and generosity signifies a profound change in Zacchaeus's heart, demonstrating that even those who were once considered outcasts and sinners could find redemption. The account of Zacchaeus and other references to publicans in the New Testament illustrate the broader theme of Jesus's ministry: reaching out to the marginalized and offering salvation to all, regardless of their past. The wealth of chief publicans, while significant, is ultimately portrayed as secondary to the spiritual riches found in a relationship with Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 19:2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... 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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