Topical Encyclopedia Publicans, known in the New Testament as tax collectors, were individuals employed by the Roman government to collect taxes from the Jewish populace. Despite their often negative reputation among the Jews, who viewed them as traitors and sinners due to their association with the Roman oppressors and their tendency to overcharge for personal gain, publicans are depicted in the Gospels as individuals capable of hospitality and openness to the message of Jesus Christ.One of the most notable examples of a hospitable publican is Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus demonstrates his hospitality and willingness to change by welcoming Jesus into his home. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this encounter: "So he came down at once and welcomed Him joyfully" (Luke 19:6). Zacchaeus's response to Jesus' presence in his home is one of repentance and restitution, as he pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has defrauded fourfold (Luke 19:8). Another example is found in the calling of Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. In Matthew 9:9-10, the Berean Standard Bible describes how Jesus called Matthew, who then hosted a meal for Jesus and His disciples: "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples" (Matthew 9:10). This act of hospitality provided an opportunity for Jesus to minister to those considered outcasts by society. The hospitality of publicans is further illustrated in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, found in Luke 18:9-14. Although the focus of the parable is on humility and repentance, the tax collector's presence in the temple and his prayerful attitude suggest an openness to God and a desire for reconciliation. Publicans, despite their societal stigma, are shown in the New Testament as individuals who, when confronted with the message of Christ, often responded with hospitality and a willingness to transform their lives. Their actions serve as a testament to the power of grace and the potential for redemption, regardless of one's past. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 5:29And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 19:6 Library "Do Men Gather Grapes of Thorns?" Matt. xxii. 1-14. 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 |
    |