As those who have heard me preach or teach know, I like to speculate on what happened to Biblical characters who we see come onto the stage in the Scriptures briefly, never to be heard from again. These speculations are not themselves Biblically authoritative, but I try to use the Biblical data to project what happened. Sometimes we are helped by church traditions; if they are early enough and/or show up in multiple sources, we can at least give them some credit. Many are late, or just the speculations of a single writer, though, and as such are no more authoritative than, well, me.
I found myself chasing clues today on the later career of Zacchaeus. He appears just once in the gospels, and then only in Luke. His story is touching and familiar to most who grew up in and around church (possibly helped by the song: "Zacchaeus was a wee little man..."). His old career is told to us in Luke. He was the "chief tax collector"- not just a tax collector, but the boss tax collector. His encounter with Jesus dramatically changed his life. (I'm going to stop with that, since I'm preaching on this passage this Sunday.)
But what happened to Zacchaeus after Jesus left Jericho? Did he follow Jesus to Jerusalem? Did he witness the Triumphal Entry or the crucifixion? Was he one of the 120 on the day of Pentecost, or maybe part of the crowd Peter preached to? I could certainly see this transformed man going to Jerusalem for the Passover with his newfound faith, and being caught up in the events surrounding Jesus.
A fairly early church tradition, dating back into the 2nd century, says that Zacchaeus became the first bishop of Caesarea. It is certainly possible that this could happen. Perhaps with the persecution that broke out after Stephen's death Zacchaeus, who lived in relatively nearby Jericho, moved to the coast. Caesarea was an important city, and as a former Roman employee Zacchaeus may well have felt at home there. He probably was a well-educated man, and the Biblical account shows us an exuberant personality. All of these seem to fit together well.
This doesn't mean that we know this for sure. Still, given the early tradition and the way the facts can fit together, it wouldn't surprise me. From a hated collaborator with the enemy to one proclaiming forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus shows us the power of Jesus to truly transform our lives.
According to st. Clement of Alexandria Zacchaeus became Matthias and became one of the 12 apostles. While Judas lost his position due to love of money Zacchaeus became one of the apostles due to giving up his love of money for the sake of following Christ. “The first will be last and the last will be first.” The love of money made Judas from the first chosen ones to the last having no part with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteClement is in error. Matthias was a witness of Christ from His baptism to Resurrection. Not so with Zacchaeus.
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ReplyDeleteBrian, Even though you are right about the requirements for the chosen disciple, how can you assume Clement is wrong? Jericho was near the Jordan, where John the Baptizer called sinners to repentance. Baptized by John, Z would have heard John say how collectors should not to collect more than was fair. While there, Z could have witnessed the baptism of Jesus. And, after his tree conversion, Z could have followed Jesus to the Upper Room, join in Passover, and witness the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross--and also the resurrection and the ascension of Christ to heaven. He could also have furnished the Upper Room, where the disciples stayed from Passover to Pentecost; a safe house seating 120 comfortably. Ever wonder how that was afforded? Maybe by this unassuming but grateful follower of Christ: Zacchaeus.
I agree with Senait that he was not one of the apostles. Jesus was on His to Jerusalem to die. It was not long after Z's encounter with Jesus. He makes me see that many who live for Him might never be heard of. Their exploits for Him are only enjoyed by God. Like Enoch taken to be with Him.
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