Who were the publicans?

The term “publican” appears frequently in the New Testament and is used to describe certain individuals in the society of Jesus’ time. The role and perception of publicans (or tax collectors) in the New Testament are complex, reflecting their social, political, and religious significance. This study will examine who this group were, their role in society, and how they are portrayed in the New Testament, with references from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

The Role and Function of Publicans

Historical Background

The term “publican” is derived from the Latin word publicanus, which refers to a tax collector or one who collects public dues. In the Roman Empire, tax collection was a lucrative business and was often contracted out to private individuals or companies. These tax collectors, known as publicans, were responsible for collecting various taxes on behalf of the Roman government. The system of taxation was complex and often included duties on goods, property, and income.

Publicans in the Roman Tax System

Publicans were typically Jewish individuals who were appointed or contracted by the Roman authorities to collect taxes from their fellow Jews. The Roman Empire used a system of tax farming, where publicans would bid for the right to collect taxes in a particular region. In exchange for a fee, they were given the right to collect taxes and were often allowed to keep any excess amount they collected beyond the required sum. This system led to widespread corruption and exploitation, as publicans could demand more than what was due to benefit themselves.

Publicans in Jewish Society

Social and Religious Standing

Publicans were generally despised and considered traitors by their fellow Jews. Their collaboration with the Roman authorities, who were seen as oppressors, made them unpopular. This animosity was compounded by the fact that publicans were often perceived as dishonest and greedy, exploiting their position for personal gain. The Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, refers to publicans with contempt, reflecting their negative reputation within Jewish society.

The Impact of Publicans on Jewish Life

Publicans played a significant role in the daily lives of the Jewish people. They were responsible for collecting various taxes, including the poll tax, land tax, and customs duties on goods. This responsibility placed them in a position of considerable power and influence, which further contributed to their unpopularity. The heavy burden of taxation and the corruption associated with publicans often led to financial hardship for ordinary Jews.

Publicans in the New Testament

Jesus and the Publicans

Jesus’ interactions with publicans are significant in understanding His ministry and teachings. The Gospels present a nuanced view of publicans, highlighting both their social status and the transformative impact of Jesus’ message.

Jesus Calls Matthew

One of the most notable publicans in the New Testament is Matthew (also known as Levi), who was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples. Matthew 9:9 records:

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” (NKJV)

Matthew’s call to discipleship underscores Jesus’ inclusive approach, extending His invitation to individuals who were marginalized and despised. Matthew’s response and subsequent role as an apostle demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus’ message.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the attitudes of a Pharisee and a tax collector (publican):

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you that this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (NKJV)

This parable illustrates the humility and repentance of the publican compared to the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. Jesus emphasizes that true justification before God comes from humility and repentance, not from external observance of religious duties.

Jesus’ Association with Publicans

Jesus’ association with publicans and sinners was a point of contention among the religious leaders. Matthew 11:19 notes:

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” (NKJV)

Jesus’ willingness to associate with publicans and sinners challenges the prevailing notions of righteousness and purity. His actions highlight His mission to seek and save the lost, irrespective of their social or moral status.

The Redemption of Publicans

The New Testament demonstrates that publicans were not beyond redemption. Jesus’ ministry included them in His message of forgiveness and salvation. Luke 19:1-10 recounts the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who sought to see Jesus:

“Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’ So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.’ Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” (NKJV)

Zacchaeus’ repentance and transformation illustrate the possibility of redemption for those deemed sinful or corrupt. Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus emphasizes the inclusive nature of His message.

Theological Implications of Publicans

The Concept of Grace

The New Testament’s portrayal of publicans reflects the broader theological theme of grace and redemption. Publicans, often seen as outcasts or sinners, are recipients of Jesus’ grace, demonstrating that God’s forgiveness extends to all individuals, regardless of their past actions or societal status. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical message of salvation available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Challenge to Religious Elitism

Jesus’ interactions with publicans challenge the notion of religious elitism and self-righteousness. By associating with publicans and sinners, Jesus emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through social status or outward appearances but through a heart that seeks repentance and relationship with God.

Conclusion

The publicans, or tax collectors, were a significant part of the social and economic landscape during the time of Jesus. Their role in tax collection, often associated with corruption and exploitation, made them unpopular among their fellow Jews. However, the New Testament provides a nuanced portrayal of publicans, highlighting both their societal position and the transformative impact of Jesus’ ministry.

Jesus’ interactions with publicans, including His calling of Matthew and His association with figures like Zacchaeus, reveal His mission to seek and save the lost. These encounters underscore the inclusive nature of His message and the possibility of redemption for all individuals. The theological implications of Jesus’ interactions with publicans challenge religious elitism and emphasize the grace and forgiveness available through faith in Christ.