Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 18:10

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." — Luke 18:10 (ASV)

The one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

A tax-gatherer, one of the most hated people in Christ's day, because only the lowest class of Jews would collect taxes for the Romans; and as a general rule, they farmed the taxes, and greatly increased them by demanding of the people much more than was due. They were therefore held in the worst possible repute. I am not sure that tax-gatherers are the objects of much love anywhere; but, among the Jews, they were detested because they were collecting tribute for the Romans whom the conquered nation abhorred.

Two men went up into the temple to pray;

It was the place that was specially dedicated for prayer; it was the place where God had promised to meet with petitioners. They did well, in those days, to go up into the temple to pray to God, though, in these days, –

"Wherever we seek Him, He is found,
And every place is hallowed ground."

It is sheer superstition that imagines one place is better for prayer than another. As long as we can be quiet and still, let us pray wherever we may be.