Luke 3:12

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 3:12 records a significant interaction during the powerful ministry of John the Baptist, demonstrating the broad reach of his message of repentance and the sincerity of those who responded to it.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of John the Baptist's ministry in the wilderness, where he was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John's fiery proclamation challenged people from all walks of life to demonstrate genuine change, urging them to "bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8). Among the diverse crowds who came to hear him and be baptized—including soldiers, the general populace, and religious leaders—were the publicans.

Publicans (Greek: telones) were Jewish tax collectors who worked for the Roman Empire. They were largely despised by their own people, not only because they collaborated with the occupying Roman power but also because their profession was often synonymous with corruption and extortion. They frequently collected more taxes than legally required for personal gain, and their dealings with Gentiles made them ritually unclean. Their approach to John, expressing a desire to be baptized and asking, "Master, what shall we do?", is a profound indication of their conviction and a sincere yearning for moral transformation, despite their societal standing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Call to Repentance: John's ministry was inclusive, extending God's call to repentance even to the most marginalized and morally compromised groups in Jewish society, such as the publicans. This underscores that God's grace and invitation to new life are available to all who genuinely seek it, regardless of their past sins or social stigma.
  • Authentic Change in Action: The publicans' question, "what shall we do?", reveals a desire for more than just outward religious observance; it's a plea for practical guidance on how to live righteously within their specific, often corrupt, profession. This highlights that true repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior and ethical conduct, not just sorrow for sin.
  • Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Their addressing John as "Master" (Greek: didaskalos, meaning "teacher") signifies their respect for his spiritual authority and their earnest desire for specific, actionable instructions on how to align their lives with God's will. John's subsequent answer, found in Luke 3:13, does not demand they abandon their profession but rather that they act with honesty and integrity within it.

Practical Application

Luke 3:12 offers timeless insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God's invitation to repentance and transformation is open to every individual, regardless of their background, past mistakes, or current profession. No one is beyond the reach of divine grace.
  • Genuine faith and repentance are demonstrated not merely by words or religious rituals, but by a willingness to make concrete changes in our actions, attitudes, and ethical conduct in all areas of our lives.
  • We should actively 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 dealings.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 7:29 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:13 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 15:2 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 21:31 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.