While the tax collectors were a class generally despised and known for their greed, their question to John isn't just a generic "What do we do?" but a specific, "What actions should we, in our profession, now take to demonstrate this repentance?" This shows their awareness that genuine change requires tangible adjustments to their uniquely exploitative roles.
Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist is confronting the crowds, including religious leaders, with a stern call to genuine repentance, warning them that outward actions or their heritage won't save them from God's coming judgment. When tax collectors, who were often seen as corrupt and oppressive, approach him seeking guidance, John provides specific instructions for them to demonstrate their repentance through honest dealings.
The 'publicans' or tax-gatherers were among the most despised people in Jewish society. Why would they, of all people, come to John the Baptist for baptism?
The publicans, or tax-gatherers, were deeply unpopular. They worked for the Roman occupiers, and their job often involved extorting more money than was legally required, lining their own pockets in the process. For a devout Jew, their profession was seen as collaborating with oppressors and engaging in sinful greed. They were often equated with sinners and outcasts, facing scorn and hatred from their own people.
Yet, here they are, coming to John. This isn't just a casual visit; they're seeking baptism, a public sign of repentance. Their presence challenges our assumptions about who seeks God and who is excluded. It shows that repentance isn't limited to the outwardly religious or the morally upright; it's for those who recognize their sin, no matter how entrenched or socially unacceptable their profession.
John the Baptist was known for his fiery preaching. When these despised tax collectors asked 'what shall we do?', what kind of answer did they receive?
John’s response to the tax collectors is sharp and practical. He doesn't just tell them to feel sorry; he tells them to act differently. His instruction, 'Collect no more than you are appointed to collect,' directly addresses the core sin associated with their profession: greed and extortion.
This highlights a crucial aspect of biblical repentance: it's not just an internal feeling but an outward change in behavior. It requires tangible actions that demonstrate a turning away from sin. For the tax collectors, this meant ceasing to exploit their position for personal enrichment. It meant embracing honesty and integrity in their dealings, even within a corrupt system.
Ask a follow-up
The tax collectors addressed John as 'Teacher.' What does this title reveal about their perception of John and the authority behind his message?
When the tax collectors called John 'Teacher' (Didaskale in Greek), they acknowledged his role as an instructor, someone with authority to guide them. This was more than just polite address; it signaled their openness to learn and obey.
However, it's crucial to remember that John wasn't just any teacher. He was a prophet, a forerunner preparing the way for Jesus. While they recognized John's teaching authority, his words ultimately pointed to a greater authority – that of God and the coming Messiah. John’s instructions weren't his own opinions; they were divine commands for living a life of true repentance. The fact that these often-dishonored individuals sought guidance from John, and were given specific, actionable advice, underscores God's desire to reach all people, regardless of their social standing or past sins.
Understand the original words
telōnai · Greek Noun
A public official, often a Jew, appointed by the Roman government or their agents to collect various taxes; they were frequently despised by their fellow Jews as collaborators with the Roman occupation and often known for extortion and corruption.
baptisthēnai · Greek Verb
The outward sign of repentance and identification with the message of a prophet or the gospel; it signifies a washing away of old ways and a commitment to a new life of righteousness.
didaskale · Greek Noun
A term of respect used for one who instructs; in the Gospels, it is frequently applied to Jesus, acknowledging his authority as a master or teacher of divine truth and law.
diaseisēte · Greek Verb
To use one's position or power to take money or property from others through violence, threats, or intimidation; it is condemned in Scripture as an abuse of authority and a violation of justice.
arkeisthe · Greek Verb
To be satisfied with one's current state, income, or material possessions; it denotes a godly character that trusts in God's provision rather than being driven by greed or worldly discontent.
c. 27 BC
Roman Tax Farming System
The Roman Empire leases tax collection rights to 'publicani,' wealthy individuals or companies who pay a fixed sum to Rome and then collect taxes from a province, keeping any excess as profit. This system often led to corruption and exploitation by subordinate tax collectors.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Disdain for Tax Collectors
Jewish society deeply resented tax collectors, viewing them as collaborators with the oppressive Roman occupation and often accusing them of greed and unjust practices. The term 'tax collector' became synonymous with sinner and outcast.
c. AD 28-29
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist starts his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a message of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. His ministry attracts large crowds from all walks of life.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
Tax Collectors Seek John's Baptism
Tax collectors, despite their social stigma, come to John to be baptized. They acknowledge his authority and ask for guidance on how to live a life of repentance, indicating a genuine desire for change.
c. AD 29
John's Instructions to Tax Collectors
John the Baptist instructs the tax collectors not to extort more than they are authorized to collect, emphasizing honesty and justice in their dealings.
John the Baptist directly confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them 'brood of vipers,' highlighting his severe approach to repentance, which likely carried over to his interaction with the tax collectors.
Luke 3:10This verse immediately precedes the tax collectors' question, showing the crowds asking 'What then shall we do?' This establishes a pattern of people seeking practical guidance in response to John's call for repentance.
Acts 2:37After Peter preaches about Jesus, the people are cut to the heart and ask 'Brothers, what shall we do?', mirroring the tax collectors' question and showing the ongoing impact of repentance-focused preaching.
Luke 19:8The story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, demonstrates a dramatic conversion where repentance leads to immediate restitution and generosity, showing the practical outworking of 'doing' what John asked.
barnesLuke 3:12: "Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?"
The publicans - See the notes at Matthew 5:47 . There is reason to think that the "publicans" or "tax-gatherers" were especially oppressive and hard in their dealings with the people; and that, as they had every opportunity of exacting more than they ought, so they often did it, and thus enriched themselves. The evidence of repentance in them would be to break off their sins in this respect, and t…
cambridgeLuke 3:12: "Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?"
12 . the publicans ] Rather, tax-gatherers (without the article). The word is a corruption of the Latin publicani ‘farmers of the taxes.’ The Roman government did not collect its own taxes, but leased them out to speculators of the equestrian order, who were called publicani , and who made their own profit out of the transaction. These knights appointed subordinates, who from the unpleasant charac…
While the tax collectors were a class generally despised and known for their greed, their question to John isn't just a generic "What do we do?" but a specific, "What actions should we, in our profession, now take to demonstrate this repentance?" This shows their awareness that genuine change requires tangible adjustments to their uniquely exploitative roles.
John the Baptist is confronting the crowds, including religious leaders, with a stern call to genuine repentance, warning them that outward actions or their heritage won't save them from God's coming judgment. When tax collectors, who were often seen as corrupt and oppressive, approach him seeking guidance, John provides specific instructions for them to demonstrate their repentance through honest dealings.
John the Baptist is confronting the crowds, including religious leaders, with a stern call to genuine repentance, warning them that outward actions or their heritage won't save them from God's coming judgment. When tax collectors, who were often seen as corrupt and oppressive, approach him seeking guidance, John provides specific instructions for them to demonstrate their repentance through honest dealings.
"Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not e…" — While the tax collectors were a class generally despised and known for their greed, their question to John isn't just a generic "What do we do?" but a specific, "What actions should we, in our prof…
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Last reviewed October 2026
