Mark 2:15

“And it came to pass, that as Jesus sat at meat in his house, etc..] In the house of Levi; not in the custom house, or toll booth, for that he left; but in his house in the city of Capernaum, where he had him, and made an entertainment for him, in token of gratitude, for the high favour bestowed on him: many publicans and sinners sat also together, with Jesus, and his disciples; being invited by Levi, and not objected to by Christ; (see Gill on “<400910>Matthew 9:10”). for there were many, and they followed him; either Christ whom they had observed to have called Matthew, and had heard preach by the sea side; or else Matthew; and so the Persic version renders it, “for many followed Matthew”.…”

“Sat at meat in the house - The words “at meat” are not in the original. The phrase means “as he reclined at his meal,” or “as he was eating.” This feast was made by Matthew in honor of the Saviour. See Luke 5:29. Publicans - See the notes at Matthew 5:47. Sinners - Sinners of abandoned character - of the same character that publicans commonly sustained - fit companions of publicans - great sinners. There were many - That is, many “disciples.” Their following him, leaving their homes, and going with him from place to place, was proof of their attachment to him. There is no doubt that our Saviour, in the early part of his ministry, was extremely popular. Multitudes of the common people…”

“Many publicans and notorious sinners sat with Jesus - Some of them doubtless invited by Matthew, moved with compassion for his old companions in sin. But the next words, For there were many, and they followed him, seem to imply, that the greater part, encouraged by his gracious words and the tenderness of his behaviour, and impatient to hear more, stayed for no invitation, but pressed in after him, and kept as close to him as they could. Mark 2:16”

“Mat 9:10, Mat 9:11, Mat 21:31, Mat 21:32; Luk 5:29, Luk 5:30, Luk 6:17, Luk 15:1 Mark 2:16”