Tax Collector. A collector of Roman revenue-either (1) the "chief tax collector" (Luke 19:2), or (2) the ordinary publican (Matt 9:11).

Tax collectors were noted for imposing more taxes than were required so that they might grow rich more quickly.

The publicans of the NT were regarded as traitors and apostates, defiled by their frequent contacts with pagans, and willing tools of the oppressor (Matt 9:11; 21:31; Mark 2:16; Luke 5:27-30).

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