“Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. Teacher, they asked, what should we do? — tax collectors represent the most despised occupational category in Jewish society: Roman collaborators and suspected extortioners. Their coming for baptism communicates the inclusive reach of John's ministry — even those who had profited from Israel's subjugation were responding to the kingdom's summons.
Church Fathers on Luke 3:12
In the preceding words of John, it is plain that the hearts of his hearers were troubled, and sought for advice from him. As it is added, And they asked him, saying, &c.
Three classes of men are introduced as inquiring of John concerning their salvation, one which the Scripture calls the multitude, another to which it gives the name of Publicans, and a third which is noticed by the appellation of soldiers.
Now to the Publicans and soldiers he gives a commandment to abstain from evil, but the multitudes, as not living in an evil condition, he commands to perform some good work, as it follows, He that has two coats, let him give one.
Read all 16 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!