Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 3:13

"And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you." — Luke 3:13 (ASV)

Exact no more.—Under the “farming” system of taxation adopted by the Roman Empire, this was the besetting temptation of all collectors employed in it, and it led naturally to the evil repute which attached, not in Judea only, to the name of publican. (See Note on Luke 19:2.)