Luke 3:12

KJV

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} came {G2064} also {G2532} publicans {G5057} to be baptized {G907}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Master {G1320}, what {G5101} shall we do {G4160}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Tax-collectors also came to be immersed; and they asked him, "Rabbi, what should we do?"

Berean Standard Bible

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

American Standard Version

And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:12 records a pivotal moment in John the Baptist's ministry where tax collectors, a socially ostracized group, approached him for baptism. Their earnest question, "Master, what shall we do?", signifies a profound desire for genuine repentance and practical guidance on how to live righteously within their often-corrupt profession, demonstrating the universal reach of God's call to transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of John the Baptist's wilderness ministry, as described in [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist's Ministry"). John's preaching was characterized by a fervent call to "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Call to Repentance")). He challenged his listeners, including the general populace, soldiers, and religious leaders, to demonstrate the authenticity of their repentance through tangible actions, famously urging them to "bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" ([Luke 3:8](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Bearing Fruit of Repentance")). The publicans' inquiry directly follows John's general admonition to the crowds, setting the stage for specific, practical instructions tailored to different vocational groups, which are then detailed in the subsequent verses ([Luke 3:10-14](/luke/3-10-14 "Luke 3:10-14 - John's Specific Instructions")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Publicans (Greek: _telones_) were Jewish tax collectors who worked for the Roman Empire, often purchasing tax collection rights from the Romans and then collecting taxes from their own people. This profession was deeply reviled in Jewish society for several reasons: they collaborated with the occupying Roman power, their work often involved extortion (collecting more than legally required for personal profit), and their frequent dealings with Gentiles rendered them ritually unclean according to Jewish law. Consequently, they were often grouped with "sinners" and prostitutes in the eyes of the religious establishment ([Matthew 21:31-32](/matthew/21-31-32 "Matthew 21:31-32 - Tax Collectors and Prostitutes")). Their approach to John, despite their social standing and the inherent difficulties of their profession, highlights the transformative power of John's message and their desperate yearning for spiritual and moral cleansing.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 3:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and John's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **universal call to repentance**, demonstrating that God's invitation to new life extends even to the most marginalized and morally compromised groups in Jewish society. John's ministry, unlike the exclusive religious systems of the day, embraced all who genuinely sought change. Secondly, the publicans' question, "what shall we do?", reveals a crucial theme: **authentic change requires practical action**. True repentance is not merely an emotional sorrow for sin but a commitment to tangible behavioral and ethical transformation, especially within one's daily vocation. Finally, their addressing John as "Master" (Greek: _didaskalos_, meaning "teacher") highlights the theme of **seeking spiritual guidance** from a recognized authority, indicating their earnest desire for specific, actionable instructions on how to align their lives with God's will, even if it meant challenging deeply ingrained corrupt practices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Publicans (Greek, _telṓnēs'_):** From _telos_ (tax) and _ōnéomai_ (to buy), literally "tax-buyer" or "tax-farmer." This term refers to collectors of public revenue, often individuals who had purchased the right to collect taxes from the Roman government. As such, they were frequently associated with corruption and extortion, making their appearance among those seeking baptism particularly striking.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** Derived from _didáskō_ (to teach), this term denotes an instructor or teacher. The publicans' use of this title for John the Baptist signifies their recognition of his spiritual authority and their earnest desire to receive specific, authoritative instruction regarding their conduct and how to live in alignment with God's will.
* **Do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to make or do" in a very wide application. In this context, it signifies not merely passive acceptance or belief, but active, concrete steps of obedience and ethical conduct. Their question, "what shall we do?" reveals a desire for practical, actionable guidance that would demonstrate genuine repentance in their daily lives and professions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came also publicans to be baptized":** This clause highlights the broad appeal and inclusivity of John's ministry. Despite their social stigma and professional reputation for corruption, tax collectors were drawn to John's message of repentance and sought the symbolic cleansing of baptism, indicating a profound internal conviction and a desire for a new beginning.
* **"and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?":** This direct question reveals the sincerity and earnestness of the publicans. Their addressing John as "Master" (teacher) underscores their recognition of his authority and their humility in seeking specific, practical guidance. The question "what shall we do?" is a plea for actionable steps, demonstrating that their desire for repentance was not merely theoretical but sought tangible expression in their daily lives and work.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 3:12 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The presence of publicans, a group typically scorned and considered irredeemable by the religious elite, creates a powerful sense of **Irony** and **Contrast**. Their sincere desire for repentance stands in stark contrast to the self-righteousness of many religious leaders of the time ([Luke 7:29-30](/luke/7-29-30 "Luke 7:29-30 - Publicans Justify God")). The direct **Dialogue** between the publicans and John ("Master, what shall we do?") serves to immediately engage the reader and underscore the urgency and practicality of their inquiry. Furthermore, the act of "coming to be baptized" carries strong **Symbolism**, representing a public declaration of repentance and a commitment to a new way of life, even for those whose professions were inherently fraught with temptation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:12 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of God's grace, which extends an invitation to repentance and new life to all, regardless of their past sins or social standing. It challenges the notion that certain individuals or professions are beyond the reach of divine mercy, emphasizing that true spiritual change is demonstrated not merely by religious affiliation but by a willingness to embody righteousness in practical, ethical conduct within one's daily life and vocation. The publicans' earnest question underscores the principle that genuine repentance leads to a desire for actionable steps of obedience, seeking to align one's behavior with God's will rather than merely expressing sorrow for past transgressions. This encounter foreshadows Jesus's own ministry, which would famously welcome and transform tax collectors and other marginalized individuals.

* [Matthew 21:31-32](/matthew/21-31-32 "Matthew 21:31-32 - Tax Collectors and Prostitutes Believe")
* [Luke 7:29-30](/luke/7-29-30 "Luke 7:29-30 - Publicans Justify God")
* [Acts 2:37-38](/acts/2-37-38 "Acts 2:37-38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:12 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today. It reminds us that God's call to repentance and transformation is truly universal, extending to every individual regardless of their background, past mistakes, or even their current profession. No one is beyond the reach of divine grace, and the invitation to a new life in Christ is open to all who genuinely seek it. The publicans' question, "what shall we do?", serves as a vital model for authentic faith: it moves beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional regret to a sincere desire for practical, tangible change in our actions, attitudes, and ethical conduct. This challenges us to consider how our faith impacts every area of our lives, especially our work and financial dealings. We are called to seek God's guidance through His Word and spiritual mentors on how to live out our faith authentically in our daily vocations, striving for righteousness and justice in all our interactions, demonstrating that true repentance bears fruit in concrete obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or profession am I being called to demonstrate more "fruits worthy of repentance" through concrete actions?**
* **Am I willing to humble myself and ask for specific guidance on how to live righteously, even if it means challenging deeply ingrained habits or societal norms?**
* **How does the inclusivity of John's ministry, welcoming even publicans, shape my understanding of God's grace and my own approach to others?**

### FAQ
**Why were publicans (tax collectors) so despised in Jewish society?**

Answer: Publicans were deeply reviled for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupying power, which was an affront to Jewish national and religious identity. Secondly, their profession was widely associated with corruption; tax collectors often paid a fixed sum to Rome for the right to collect taxes and then extorted additional amounts from the populace for personal profit, making them synonymous with dishonesty. Finally, their frequent dealings with Gentiles and their handling of money (which could be considered ritually unclean) made them ritually impure according to Jewish law, further ostracizing them from the religious community. This combination of political collaboration, economic exploitation, and ritual impurity led to their widespread social condemnation, often placing them in the same category as "sinners" and prostitutes in the eyes of the religious elite, as seen in passages like [Matthew 9:10-11](/matthew/9-10-11 "Matthew 9:10-11 - Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist's ministry, as exemplified by the publicans' repentance in [Luke 3:12](/luke/3-12 "Luke 3:12 - Publicans Seek Baptism"), serves as a direct precursor and powerful illustration of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. John's call to repentance prepared the way for the Lamb of God, who would not only call sinners to repentance but also offer the ultimate means of forgiveness and transformation. Jesus himself deliberately associated with tax collectors and sinners, famously declaring, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). The story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, in [Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector"), perfectly embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of the publicans' plea: Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus leads to immediate, tangible "fruits of repentance" through restitution and generosity, demonstrating that true transformation is not merely an outward act but a radical inward change wrought by faith in Christ. Through Christ, the despised and the outcast are not just offered a new set of rules, but a new heart and a new identity, becoming "a new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), empowered by the Spirit to live righteously in all aspects of their lives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 7:29

And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Luke 15:1

¶ Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Luke 15:2

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 21:32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.