Who Were the Publicans in the Time of Jesus?
At the time of Jesus Christ, publicans were known as tax collectors. This role made them some of the most disliked people in Jewish society.With them being publicans in the time of Jesus helps us understand who they were, what they did, and why they were so controversial in biblical history.
Publicans: More Than Just Tax Collectors
While many think of publicans simply as tax collectors, their responsibilities went beyond collecting money. Some publicans supplied goods to the Roman military, managed port operations, or oversaw major construction projects. Rather than serving as government employees, they worked as contractors for Rome, often coming from the upper classes, though not the ruling elite.
How Publicans Gained Their Positions
Publicans didn’t receive their jobs through appointment — they won them through auctions. Bidders would estimate how much tax revenue they could collect and pay that amount upfront to Rome. In return, Rome treated the payment like a loan and paid interest.
If a publican managed to collect more than what he bid, he kept the profit. However, if he collected less, he had to pay the remaining balance himself. This high-risk, high-reward system created opportunities for great wealth — but also resentment and corruption.
Why the Jews Despised the Publicans
To the Jewish people, Roman occupation was already unbearable. The fact that some of their own — Jewish publicans — worked for the enemy only deepened the hatred. Many believed publicans were traitors who grew rich by burdening their fellow Jews with taxes.
Despite this negative image, not all publicans were corrupt. Some, like Matthew in Capernaum ( Matthew 9:12) were known for fairness and integrity.
Matthew: The Fair Publican Chosen by Christ
Matthew, already a wealthy man and a Jewish Roman citizen (like Paul), served as a publican in Galilee. Jesus recognized Matthew’s sincere heart and called him to be His disciple. Matthew’s honesty and compassion stood out in a profession known for greed.
When Matthew invited Jesus into his home, he also welcomed other publicans. As Jesus taught, they too felt the Spirit and were moved by His message. This moment showed that no one was beyond the reach of Christ’s love and redemption.
A Lesson from Matthew the Publican
The story of Matthew reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. While many viewed them/him as a sinner, Jesus looked deeper — into the heart. His willingness to dine with publicans teaches that grace and transformation are possible for all who open their hearts to Him.
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