Tax collectors

During the time of Jesus, they divided Israel into many territories Herod the Greats descendants governed that. while Rome governed Judea. They were called procurators of Rome or Roman procurators.  Taxes were high there. Wealthy Jews would bid to get these positions. These wealthy Jews would then add more fees, above and beyond whatever was owed making them richer. Also, there were publicans, who collected a toll on imports, exports, and merchants who came to Israel to buy or sell.  Matthew was a publican. The religious leaders despised tax collectors they considered the tax collectors unclean because of their contact with the Romans. The tax collector’s testimonies were not accepted in court and tax collectors could not be redeemed under the law of Moses. When Jesus made friends with these men His ministry immediately came under scrutiny from the religious leaders.

Tax collectors were despised because they collected taxes for Rome.  Jesus saw this as an opportunity to teach that they would be accepted by Jesus if they would believe.