Question

Why did the Jews hate the publicans? (MultipleSelect)

The publicans were all Samaritans.

The publicans were getting rich at the expense of fellow Jews.

The publicans helped the Romans, whom the Jews hated.

The publicans cheated the government out of money so they could help others.

Answer 1

Since the Jews hated hated the Roman rule over their land of Palestine, those who worked for the Roman government were looked down upon, especially if they were Jews. Also, as long as the publicans collected the required amount, Rome did not care how much the tax-gatherers took from the people. As a result they had a free hand to cheat the Jews, and they did cheat them regularly.