The Greek word telṓnion, represented by G5058, refers to a tax-gatherer's place of business or the receipt of custom. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically denotes the physical station or booth where a publican would collect revenue.
In the biblical narrative, G5058 is exclusively used as the setting for Jesus calling a future disciple. In each of its occurrences, Jesus passes by and sees a man "sitting at the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). This location serves as the backdrop for a pivotal moment of vocation, where a man's ordinary work life is interrupted by a divine invitation to follow Christ. The individuals named in these accounts are Matthew and Levi.
Several related words provide crucial context for the events occurring at the telṓnion:
- G5057 telṓnēs (a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue:--publican.): This is the occupation of the men called from the receipt of custom. Luke explicitly identifies Levi as a publican sitting at this location Luke 5:27, and Matthew is also identified as a publican Matthew 10:3.
- G190 akolouthéō (to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple):--follow, reach.): This is the direct command Jesus issues at the G5058. He tells both Matthew and Levi, "Follow me," and the text notes that they immediately arose and followed him (Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14).
The theological significance of G5058 is centered on its role as a place of transition and calling.
- A Site of Divine Summons: The receipt of custom is portrayed as a place where Jesus actively seeks out his followers. It highlights that the call to discipleship can occur in any setting, including a secular place of business Matthew 9:9.
- Leaving a Former Life: The act of rising from the receipt of custom symbolizes the abandonment of a previous way of life to answer Jesus's call. For Matthew and Levi, this was a tangible and immediate decision to leave their profession behind (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27).
- Ministry to the Outcast: The telṓnion was the workplace of a publican, a profession often associated with sinners Matthew 11:19. Jesus's presence and call at this location demonstrates his ministry's reach to those on the margins of society.
In summary, G5058 is a specific term for a tax-gatherer's place of business, but its importance in Scripture is defined by the events that transpire there. It is consistently the location where Jesus calls a publican to become a disciple. This place represents the intersection of the secular world and the divine call, symbolizing the moment a person is summoned to leave their past behind and follow a new path with Christ.
TRV