man of God preach among the people.But what is it?He is seen sitting among the publicans and the harlots!People that have listened to him, outraged: "Here is a man, a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and harlots!" Situation, taken from the Bible describes the preaching of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.But for some reason at the time it was considered so objectionable to communicate with publicans?And who are the publicans?
Who is the publican
to say the least, a tax collector - this is an old word that describes a person whose office is to collect taxes from the common people.Not surprisingly, while these people so treated in the community!And at all times, people who stripped the poor, were not held in high esteem by the people.What then led Jesus, the Son of God, to sit among such people is not respected?What role do these people took in those days, and in the course of history?Let's try to sort out these issues.
What did the publicans in Rome
The Roman collection of taxes imposed on the land, engaged in the Roman generals.This system was well regulated.However, have the power to export or import of goods transported across the country merchants, could, in principle, anyone who has an appropriate influence.It was enough to get the required permission.But this privilege could cost a considerable amount of financial resources.When these "publicans", or gatherers, doing their job, they could profit from the tax revenues that are much higher than the sum of their regular rate.However, all these activities are carried out is not as easy as it might seem.Subcontractors or superiors constantly monitor the legitimacy of tax collection in some parts of its territory.
Zacchaeus and Matthew - tax collectors the time of Christ
reading the Scriptures, we find information about the tax collector named Zacchaeus.From the Gospel of Luke, the nineteenth chapter, the first and second verses, we learn that he was most likely the chief put on other publicans and tax collectors.Matthew the publican - the following about whom we learn from God's Word - the Bible.Jesus, the Son of the Creator, appointed him an apostle, or "messenger" (as based on the literal translation of the word).It seems that Matthew did not only deal with the fact that the collected taxes in Capernaum, but had in this town your tax office.
publicans Why not respected
For people like Zacchaeus and Matthew, in those days, treated with deep contempt and disrespect.They overstated the tax levied on the common people, these people do not really revered their compatriots.Also, in the Scriptures, we find information on the fact that some Jews thought disgusting even to eat with such people.They were treated as sinners and put on a par with public prostitutes.His contempt for the Jews expressed these people because they supported the Roman Empire, which was how it was thought of "unclean" Gentiles.If such a man lying in the street unconscious, then he probably would not have anyone to help.
tax collectors Christ
However, reading the Gospel, tells about the life of the Lord Jesus, we notice how strikingly different views, which he taught, from the standard at the time.We never read that Matthew and Zacchaeus continued to deceive people when they became Christians.On the contrary, as we learn from the Bible, Matthew left his office in order to follow their Lord.It is not surprising that Christ so admired this man!He repeatedly said: "I do not need a physician healthy and the sick" - thus showing that the tax collector - is not such a hopeless person is considered most at the time.Moreover, it is with some feelings Matthew wrote his account of Christ's life, admired by many lovers of world literature."Reading his gospel - they say - feel the warmth with which he speaks about the Lord."It can be seen that the message of the Son of God found in the hearts of even those who in the eyes of others are only contempt.
What does the word "publican»
To better understand the meaning of a tax collector, it is necessary to investigate the origins of this concept.It turns out that in ancient times the word "strangles" and "Myto" means the point where the vehicle was checked on land and on water.All sorts of duties that are imposed on them, the people pinned unsupportable burden.Mytnikov in ancient Russia - is often were "thieves in law" - thugs who did not like.In the dictionary this word Ozhegova give a simple definition.According to him, the tax collector - a tax collector in Judea.And the dictionary Dahl completes this definition.It contains some additional information.According to the dictionary, a tax collector - a collector myta in Russia.From this word there are two others - "harass" and "Trial".According to the dictionary Ozhegova and Shvedova, the first concept conveys the idea that someone give ordeals and suffering, and the second refers to flour or suffering.It is obvious that the word "publican" has become synonymous with ill person, sadistic, which gives the other suffering.Even this can be judged on the reputation that had these people.Previously, various ancient profession are condemned, but especially this one.
Obviously, similar in meaning to the word "tax collector" - a concept such as "mytit" or "mytarstvovat" which means to transfer rent or borrow (Dahl dictionary).The word is, among other things, could mean someone's illness, disease or suffering.Besides all this, the word may indicate the person who lives for others, or parasitism.
"ordeal" in Russia
In those days, the whole fee or tax that was collected by the tax collectors, was to ensure the princes holding this or that destiny.They had the right to allow or not to allow its territory to strangles.For example, when the two princes agreed on joint cooperation, then the first and second were required as a courtesy to let merchants without unnecessary obstacles to transport their goods on the territory of another.At that time it was called "no turn" (t. E. Without borders) or "no clues" (t. E., Without obstacles).
If there were those who strongly wanted to avoid paying compulsory taxes, then such people can be fined for breach of oral law.Such a penalty was called "washed".From here comes the word "promytarivat" which is consonant with the modern "squander", which clearly indicated the penalties for which a person could lose the last of the property.
Types of taxes
In those days, there are several types of such "myta."Under Trial fell, as we have learned how to land trade routes and water.Therefore, there are several types myta "strangles-penetration", "strangles coastal", "mostovschina" and "strangles ground."Such a duty tax could be paid in money or as commodities.Mostovschina also implied the payment of tax when crossing bridges.
Besides all of the above, the tax levied for the carriage of goods, its easy and its sale.No wonder that for ordinary people, and for the well-off, it was tantamount to obdiratelstvu.
Tatar-Mongols and duties
Tatar-Mongols increased the already very heavy burden of the people.Since Tartar conquest, they introduced a new kind myta called "tamga".If someone wanted to participate in trading on marketplaces or trade fairs, which were so popular at the time, also I had to pay this kind of tax.According to the dictionary Ozhegova, tamga - a fee that is charged by Customs for the stigma attached.The size of the tax depended not on how much was supplied in a particular place, and how much cost the specific product.Similarly, even the monasteries could claim on their territory and take bids from the product, which was brought, tamga.Those were the ancient profession.
Modern "publicans"
should be noted that the tax collector - a profession that has always pursued the common people, and even today people who are deprived of the last ordinary people, hated by others.Today you can also find a lot of dishonesty in government circles in charge taxes.Thus, the Customs Service, which deals with checking baggage and check the certification of goods transported abroad, and often dishonest acts.You can hear a great number of complaints about slow service and pulling with the aim to extract anything from the people.Thus, the customs service today - the same thing that the tax collectors in ancient times.
jump into history
As we have learned from this article, Pedicularis in ancient Rus - these were the people who really did not like.We also learned how such people treated Christ - the Son of God.In addition, we were able to draw parallels with our time, with different tax offices and customs services.
