Publicans
Summary
Publicans (tax collectors) were Jews who collected taxes for Rome, despised by their countrymen but recipients of Jesus' ministry.
☩Social Status
The Roman tax system was farmed out to collectors who bid for districts and then extracted what they could, keeping the excess. This system was rife with abuse. Jewish publicans were doubly despised—as collaborators with the hated Romans and as likely cheaters. They were excluded from synagogues and their testimony was inadmissible in court.
☩Jesus and Publicans
Jesus was criticized for eating with publicans and sinners, but He declared that He came to call sinners to repentance. John the Baptist received publicans and told them to exact only what was appointed. Matthew the publican became an apostle. Zacchaeus, a chief publican, received Jesus joyfully and was saved. The humble publican's prayer was commended over the proud Pharisee's.