Luke 3:12

12 And [the] publicans came to be baptized; and they said to him, Master, what shall we do?

Luke 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 3:12

Then came also publicans to be baptized
Being convinced under John's ministry of the evils of their past life, and desirous of being admitted to baptism, to which they understood repentance, and fruits meet for the same, were pre-requisite: these came nearer to John,

and said unto him, master, what shall we do?
we have been very wicked persons, what shall we do to escape divine vengeance? or what are the particular duties we are to perform? or the fruits meet for repentance, we are to bring forth; that so we may be admitted to the ordinance of baptism, which requires, as previous to it, a true and hearty repentance? of these men,

(See Gill on Matthew 5:46) (See Gill on Matthew 9:9) (See Gill on Matthew 9:10) (See Gill on Matthew 9:11)

Luke 3:12 In-Context

10 And the people asked him, and said [saying], What then shall we do?

11 He answered, and said to them [Soothly he answering said to them], He that hath two coats, give he to him that hath none; and he that hath meats, do in like manner.

12 And [the] publicans came to be baptized; and they said to him, Master, what shall we do?

13 And he said to them, Do ye nothing more, than that that is ordained to you.

14 And [the] knights asked him, and said, What shall also we do [Forsooth and the knights asked him, saying, What shall and we do]? And he said to them, Smite ye wrongfully no man, neither make ye false challenge, and be ye satisfied with your wages [and be satisfied with your wages].