Luke 3:12

12 There came also a party of tax-gatherers to be baptized, and they asked him, "Rabbi, what are we to 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 The crowds repeatedly asked him, "What then are we to do?"

11 "Let the man who has two coats," he answered, "give one to the man who has none; and let the man who has food share it with others."

12 There came also a party of tax-gatherers to be baptized, and they asked him, "Rabbi, what are we to do?"

13 "Do not exact more than the legal amount," he replied.

14 The soldiers also once and again inquired of him, "And we, what are we to do?" His answer was, "Neither intimidate any one nor lay false charges; and be content with your pay."