Luke 3:12 - Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 3:12" mean?
This verse, Luke 3:12, is part of the narrative surrounding John the Baptist's ministry. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Tax collectors also came to be baptized...": Tax collectors in that era were generally despised. They were Jews who worked for the Roman Empire, collecting taxes often with added fees for their own profit. They were seen as collaborators, corrupt, and exploiting their own people. The fact that they were coming to John for baptism is significant. It suggests a willingness to turn away from their previous behavior and seek purification and a new start.
"...and they said to him, 'Teacher, what must we do?'": This is the key part. They aren't just seeking a symbolic cleansing; they are asking John what practical steps they need to take to truly repent and change their lives. They acknowledge John as a teacher (Rabbi) with authority. Their question shows a genuine desire for guidance on how to live righteously.
In summary, the verse highlights:
The unexpected reach of John the Baptist's message: Even those from marginalized and morally questionable professions like tax collecting were drawn to his message of repentance and were being baptized by him.
A genuine desire for change: The tax collectors' question demonstrates that their baptism wasn't just a ritual, but a sincere attempt to change their ways. They were looking for specific instructions on how to live a more ethical life.
The practical nature of repentance: John's ministry emphasized not just feeling sorry for sins, but also taking concrete actions to right wrongs and live according to God's will.
The concept of baptism as a sign of repentance: It was a public declaration that they were turning away from their old lives and seeking to follow a new path.
This verse sets the stage for John's response in the following verse (Luke 3:13), where he instructs them not to collect more than what is required. This emphasizes the importance of practical action and ethical conduct as evidence of genuine repentance.
Luke 3:12 - Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?”
What does "Luke 3:12" mean?
This verse, Luke 3:12, is part of the narrative surrounding John the Baptist's ministry. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Tax collectors also came to be baptized...": Tax collectors in that era were generally despised. They were Jews who worked for the Roman Empire, collecting taxes often with added fees for their own profit. They were seen as collaborators, corrupt, and exploiting their own people. The fact that they were coming to John for baptism is significant. It suggests a willingness to turn away from their previous behavior and seek purification and a new start.
"...and they said to him, 'Teacher, what must we do?'": This is the key part. They aren't just seeking a symbolic cleansing; they are asking John what practical steps they need to take to truly repent and change their lives. They acknowledge John as a teacher (Rabbi) with authority. Their question shows a genuine desire for guidance on how to live righteously.
In summary, the verse highlights:
The unexpected reach of John the Baptist's message: Even those from marginalized and morally questionable professions like tax collecting were drawn to his message of repentance and were being baptized by him.
A genuine desire for change: The tax collectors' question demonstrates that their baptism wasn't just a ritual, but a sincere attempt to change their ways. They were looking for specific instructions on how to live a more ethical life.
The practical nature of repentance: John's ministry emphasized not just feeling sorry for sins, but also taking concrete actions to right wrongs and live according to God's will.
The concept of baptism as a sign of repentance: It was a public declaration that they were turning away from their old lives and seeking to follow a new path.
This verse sets the stage for John's response in the following verse (Luke 3:13), where he instructs them not to collect more than what is required. This emphasizes the importance of practical action and ethical conduct as evidence of genuine repentance.