CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 3:12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/3-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/42_Luk_03_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 3:12 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Even tax collectors came to be baptized. Teacher, they asked, what should we do?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/3-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/3-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/3-11.htm" title="Luke 3:11">◄</a> Luke 3:12 <a href="/luke/3-13.htm" title="Luke 3:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized. &#8220Teacher,&#8221 they asked, &#8220what should we do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what are we to do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, &#8220Teacher, what shall we do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And <i>some</i> tax-gatherers also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even <i>some</i> tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked, “Teacher, what are we to do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, &#8220Teacher, what should we do?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked John, "Teacher, what should we do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Master, what must we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Some tax collectors came to be baptized. They asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what are we to do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Even some tax collectors came to be baptized. They asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ?Teacher,? they asked, ?what should we do??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />There came also a party of tax-gatherers to be baptized, and they asked him, "Rabbi, what are we to do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And there also came tax collectors to be immersed, and they said to him, “Teacher, what will we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And there came also tax-gatherers to be baptised, and they said unto him, 'Teacher, what shall we do?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And publicans came to be immersed, and said to him, Teacher, what shall we do?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the publicans also came to be baptized, and said to him: Master, what shall we do? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now the tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And Tax Collectors came also to be baptized, and they were saying to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And the publicans also came to be immersed, and they said to him: Teacher, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And the publicans came also to be baptized, and said to him; Teacher, what shall we do!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then came also the farmers of the taxes to be baptised, and they said unto him, Master, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the Publicans likewise came to be baptized, and said to him, master, how are we to act?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />There came also a party of tax-gatherers to be baptized, and they asked him, "Rabbi, what are we to do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And there came also tax-collectors to be immersed, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And there came publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/3-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=1117" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Even</a> <a href="/greek/5057.htm" title="5057: telōnai (N-NMP) -- A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.">tax collectors</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: Ēlthon (V-AIA-3P) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/907.htm" title="907: baptisthēnai (V-ANP) -- Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. ">to be baptized.</a> <a href="/greek/1320.htm" title="1320: Didaskale (N-VMS) -- A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.">“Teacher,”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">they asked,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“what</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">should we do?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31-32</a></span><br />Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Matthew 5:46-47</a></span><br />If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? / And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15-17</a></span><br />While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him. / When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” / On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29-32</a></span><br />Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. / But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” / Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29-30</a></span><br />All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. / But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10-13</a></span><br />Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” / On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-1.htm">Luke 19:1-10</a></span><br />Then Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. / And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy. / He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a></span><br />Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6-7</a></span><br />This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. / Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15-16</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a></span><br />The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1-2</a></span><br />Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. / So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5-6</a></span><br />People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. / Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29</a></b></br> And all the people that heard <i>him</i>, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1,2</a></b></br> Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a></b></br> And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as <i>his</i> eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Baptised</a> <a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Coats</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Food</a> <a href="/luke/2-29.htm">Master</a> <a href="/mark/16-13.htm">Others</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Share</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">Teacher</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Baptised</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/luke/9-3.htm">Coats</a> <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/luke/4-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/luke/5-5.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Others</a> <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Share</a> <a href="/luke/5-27.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Teacher</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/3-1.htm">The preaching and baptism of John;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/3-15.htm">his testimony of Jesus;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/3-19.htm">Herod imprisons John;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/3-23.htm">The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Even tax collectors came to be baptized.</b><br>Tax collectors in the time of Jesus were often despised by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman authorities and were seen as traitors. They were known for collecting more than required, enriching themselves at the expense of their fellow Jews. The fact that tax collectors came to be baptized indicates a significant movement of repentance and transformation. This act of coming to John the Baptist for baptism shows their acknowledgment of sin and desire for a new way of life. It highlights the inclusive nature of John's message, which called all people, regardless of their social standing or past actions, to repentance. This moment foreshadows the later ministry of Jesus, who frequently associated with tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing the availability of God's grace to all (e.g., <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10-13</a>, <a href="/luke/19.htm">Luke 19:1-10</a>).<p><b>“Teacher,” they asked,</b><br>The use of the term "Teacher" shows respect and recognition of John's authority as a spiritual leader. In Jewish culture, teachers or rabbis were highly respected figures who provided guidance on religious and ethical matters. By addressing John as "Teacher," the tax collectors demonstrate their willingness to learn and change. This title also connects to the broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus is often referred to as "Teacher," indicating a continuity in the role of guiding people towards righteousness.<p><b>“what should we do?”</b><br>This question reflects a genuine desire for practical guidance on how to live a life that aligns with the repentance they are expressing through baptism. It shows an openness to change and a willingness to take actionable steps towards righteousness. This inquiry is reminiscent of other instances in the Bible where individuals seek specific instructions on how to live according to God's will (e.g., <a href="/acts/2-37.htm">Acts 2:37</a>, where the crowd asks Peter, "Brothers, what shall we do?"). It underscores the transformative power of repentance, which is not just about feeling remorse but also about making concrete changes in behavior. This question sets the stage for John's ethical teachings, which emphasize fairness and integrity, particularly relevant for tax collectors known for their corrupt practices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/tax_collectors.htm">Tax Collectors</a></b><br>In the context of first-century Judea, tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman authorities and were known for extorting money. Their presence in this passage highlights the inclusive nature of John the Baptist's call to repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>A central figure in this passage, John was a prophet who preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. His message was one of preparation for the coming Messiah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/baptism.htm">Baptism</a></b><br>This was a significant act of repentance and purification. In the Jewish context, it symbolized a turning away from sin and a commitment to a new way of life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a></b><br>A significant location for Jewish history and symbolism, the Jordan River was where John conducted his baptisms. It represents a place of transition and new beginnings.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a></b><br>A key theme in John's ministry, repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_of_the_gospel.htm">Inclusivity of the Gospel</a></b><br>The fact that tax collectors came to be baptized shows that the call to repentance is open to all, regardless of social status or past sins.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/genuine_repentance.htm">Genuine Repentance</a></b><br>True repentance involves a change of heart and behavior. It is not merely about feeling sorry but about taking actionable steps towards righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_guidance.htm">Seeking Guidance</a></b><br>The tax collectors' question, "What should we do?" reflects a desire for practical guidance in living out their repentance. This is a model for believers to seek wisdom and direction in their spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a></b><br>While John's baptism was a call to repentance, it pointed forward to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_eat_with_sinners.htm">What is the meaning of Jesus eating with sinners?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_records_of_john's_message_spread.htm">How could so many people have known about John’s message and traveled into the wilderness without any significant contemporary historical mention? (Matthew 3:5) </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_taxes.htm">What is the Bible's stance on paying taxes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_of_the_12_disciples.htm">What were the names of the twelve disciples? (Matthew 10:2-4 vs. Luke 6:13-16)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Then came also publicans.</span>--The other Gospels do not mention the presence of this class in their narratives of the Baptist's work, but it is implied in <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm" title="For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.">Matthew 21:32</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?</span> This is the first time this class of men, who on several occasions come before us in the gospel story, is mentioned. The English rendering is most unhappy, for to many of our people it either suggests nothing, or else supplies a wrong chain of reasoning. The <span class="greek">τελῶναι</span>, the Latin publicani (whence our rendering), were men who collected the Roman taxes or imposts. These imperial taxes, the most painful and everpresent reminder to the Jew of his subject and dependent position, were in the first instance leased out to jobbers and speculators of the equestrian order; these were properly the publicani. Beneath them and in their employ were a numerous staff who performed for these farmers of the imperial revenue the various disagreeable duties connected with the collection of the taxes. Then, as now in the East, bribery, corruption, oppression, and unfair dealing, were too common among all ranks of officials First, then, the duty itself, the being concerned in the collection of a tribute - for that is what these taxes really were - for Gentile Rome, and, secondly, the various iniquities connected with the gathering of this tribute, made the tax or tribute collectors of all ranks odious among the Jews dwelling in Palestine. Many of the posts, especially the subordinate ones, in this department of tribute and taxes, were held by Jews, in all ages singularly gifted in matters which have to do with finance. The Jew, however in the days of John the Baptist, who could stoop to such an employment, lucrative though it might be, was looked upon by his stricter fellow-countrymen with feelings of intense scorn. Yet even <span class="accented">these</span> men are not bidden by this inspired prophet of the Highest to change their way of life, but only its manner. "Would you," he says to these men who belonged to the hated calling, "indeed wash and be clean in the eyes of the All-Seeing? then in that profession of yours, remember, be scrupulous, be honest." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/3-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Even</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">tax collectors</span><br /><span class="grk">τελῶναι</span> <span class="translit">(telōnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἦλθον</span> <span class="translit">(Ēlthon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be baptized.</span><br /><span class="grk">βαπτισθῆναι</span> <span class="translit">(baptisthēnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_907.htm">Strong's 907: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Teacher,”</span><br /><span class="grk">Διδάσκαλε</span> <span class="translit">(Didaskale)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> </span><span class="str2">A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπαν</span> <span class="translit">(eipan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should we do?”</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιήσωμεν</span> <span class="translit">(poiēsōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/3-12.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/3-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 3:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 3:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/3-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 3:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 3:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>