Tax-gathers, often referred to as tax collectors in various Bible translations, played a significant role in the socio-economic and religious landscape of ancient Israel during the time of the New Testament. These individuals were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire, which occupied Judea and surrounding regions. The position of a tax-gatherer was fraught with controversy and disdain, primarily due to the methods employed and the associations they maintained.

Historical Context

In the Roman Empire, tax collection was often outsourced to local individuals who would bid for the right to collect taxes in a particular area. These tax-gatherers, known as "publicans" in some translations, were expected to meet a certain quota for the Roman authorities. Any excess they collected was theirs to keep, which led to widespread corruption and exploitation. As a result, tax-gatherers were often viewed as traitors by their fellow Jews, collaborating with the occupying forces and enriching themselves at the expense of their own people.

Biblical References

The New Testament provides several accounts of tax-gatherers, highlighting both their societal status and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. One of the most notable tax-gatherers mentioned is Matthew, also known as Levi, who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. In Matthew 9:9 , it is written: "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him." This passage underscores the radical inclusivity of Jesus' call, extending even to those despised by society.

Another significant encounter is that of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho. In Luke 19:2-10 , Zacchaeus is described as wealthy, yet he eagerly seeks to see Jesus. Upon meeting him, Jesus declares, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). Zacchaeus' subsequent repentance and restitution illustrate the transformative impact of Jesus' acceptance and grace.

Religious and Social Implications

Tax-gatherers were often grouped with "sinners" in the Gospels, indicating their low social and religious standing. In Matthew 11:19 , Jesus acknowledges the criticism He faces for associating with such individuals: "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is vindicated by her actions." This association highlights the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which sought to reach those marginalized by society and offer them redemption.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 further illustrates the spiritual lessons drawn from the lives of tax-gatherers. In this parable, the tax collector's humble plea for mercy is contrasted with the Pharisee's self-righteousness, emphasizing the value of humility and repentance before God.

Conclusion

Tax-gatherers in the New Testament serve as powerful examples of the transformative power of Jesus' message. Despite their societal status and the disdain they faced, many found redemption and new purpose through encounters with Christ. Their accounts continue to resonate as testimonies of grace, forgiveness, and the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

God's Love Even for Sinners
... Because tax-gathers and sinners kept coming to Jesus to hear him, the Pharisees
and scribes complained, "This man welcomes sinners and even eats with them!" So ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/gods love even for sinners.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... himself of all these things? Nay, He bids Zaccheus and Matthew, the rich
tax-gathers, entertain Him hospitably. And He does not ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... impetus to agriculture was also given by this importation, that when, towards the
middle of the reign, the minister Khamhaifc presented the tax-gathers at court ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Tax-gathers (1 Occurrence)
Tax-gathers. Tax-gatherers, Tax-gathers. Taxing . Multi-Version
Concordance Tax-gathers (1 Occurrence). Matthew 9:10 ...
/t/tax-gathers.htm - 6k

Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences)
Tax-gatherers. Tax-gatherer, Tax-gatherers. Tax-gathers . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (WEY). Tax-gatherer, Tax-gatherers. Tax-gathers . Reference Bible.
/t/tax-gatherers.htm - 11k

Notorious (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:10 And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers
and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples. (WEY). ...
/n/notorious.htm - 11k

Large (235 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Matthew 9:10 And while He was reclining at table, a large number of
tax-gathers and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples. ...
/l/large.htm - 34k

Reclining (25 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:10 And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers
and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples. ...
/r/reclining.htm - 14k

Party (47 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Matthew 9:10 And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers
and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples. ...
/p/party.htm - 20k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)

/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Table (125 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:10 And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers
and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples. ...
/t/table.htm - 62k

Why does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org

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Why do governments allow churches to be tax-exempt? | GotQuestions.org

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