The Gospels describe Jesus and his followers as keeping halakha to a relatively high extent; they were a group to whom the law was important.
(Why) Did Jews Hate Tax Collectors–Or Did They? The Evolution of a Modern Stereotype in Biblical Studies
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The popular image of tax collectors ostracized from Jewish society demands a second look.
Like Children Complaining
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Were Jesus and John the Baptist like children who played a dance and a dirge? Or was Jesus’ generation one that complained like whining children about the prophets who came to warn it?
Call of Levi
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In the Call of Levi story we learn about Jesus’ attitude toward sinful persons and about his relationship with the Pharisees.
A Friend of Tax Collectors
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Tax collectors were especially hated because they increased their profit by collecting more taxes than their masters actually demanded.