10 Interesting Facts About Tax Collectors in the Bible

Tax collectors played a big role in many Bible stories. But they were not loved by the people. In fact, they were seen as greedy, unfair, and sinful. Yet Jesus often chose to speak to them—and even eat with them. Here are 10 interesting facts about tax collectors in the Bible, with verses to help explain why they mattered.

1. Tax Collectors Were Hated by the Jews

Most Jews saw tax collectors as traitors. They worked for the Roman government, which ruled over Israel. The taxes they gathered helped fund Roman soldiers and buildings—not the people of Israel.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault… let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” — Matthew 18:15,17

This verse shows how tax collectors were ranked alongside Gentiles—outsiders to the Jewish faith.

2. They Often Collected More Than Required

Tax collectors were known for collecting extra money for themselves. The Romans didn’t pay them a salary. Instead, they let them take a “cut” from what they collected.

“Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?’ He told them, ‘Don’t collect any more than you are required to.’” — Luke 3:12–13

John the Baptist called them to stop cheating and be honest in their work.

3. Zacchaeus Was a Chief Tax Collector

Zacchaeus wasn’t just any tax collector. He was the chief, meaning he had other tax collectors working under him. He was very rich—but also very curious about Jesus.

“He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.” — Luke 19:3

Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to see Jesus, and it changed his life.

4. Jesus Ate with Tax Collectors

Many people were shocked that Jesus would spend time with sinners like tax collectors. But Jesus saw their value and their need for grace.

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” — Matthew 9:10

This simple act of eating together showed love and acceptance.

5. Matthew, a Tax Collector, Became a Disciple

Matthew was collecting taxes when Jesus called him to follow. He left his booth behind and became one of the Twelve Disciples.

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” — Matthew 9:9

He later wrote the Gospel of Matthew.

6. Their Role Was Similar to Modern IRS Agents

In today’s world, we might compare tax collectors to IRS agents. The big difference is that biblical tax collectors often used threats or false numbers to steal.

7. Jesus Used Tax Collectors in Parables

Jesus used the image of a tax collector in His teachings. One parable compares a proud Pharisee with a humble tax collector.

“But the tax collector stood at a distance... ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you... this man went home justified.” — Luke 18:13–14

Jesus showed that humility, not pride, is what God desires.

8. They Were Considered Unclean and Couldn’t Worship Freely

Because of their dishonest work and ties to Gentiles, tax collectors were often banned from the synagogue. People believed they were too sinful to be close to God.

“The Pharisees asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” — Matthew 9:11

This question shows the deep shame placed on these men by society.

9. Many Repented and Changed

Several tax collectors changed after meeting Jesus. Zacchaeus promised to repay everyone he had cheated.

“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody... I will pay back four times the amount.” — Luke 19:8

Jesus responded by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

10. They Teach Us About Grace

Tax collectors remind us that no one is too far gone for God. They were some of the first to respond to Jesus’ message. Their stories remind us that grace is for everyone—especially those society looks down on.

“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” — Matthew 21:31

Jesus didn’t choose the perfect. He chose the willing.

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