Zacchaeus was a wealthy chief tax collector living in Jericho during the first century. Because of his short stature, he climbed a sycamore tree to view Jesus as the teacher passed through the city. This encounter led to his conversion, marked by a decision to give half of his belongings to the poor and repay those he had wronged. Recognized as a saint and an apostle, he is celebrated for his repentance and subsequent generosity.