Luke 5:27-31

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 5:30

Why do ye eat and drink, etc. - See what passed at this entertainment considered at large on Matthew 9:10-17 ; (note); Mark 2:15-22 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 5:29

Verse 29 Luke 5:29.And Levi made him a great banquet This appears to be at variance with what Luke relates, that he left all: but the solution is easy. Matthew disregarded every hinderance, and gave up himself entirely to Christ, but yet did not abandon the charge of his own domestic affairs. When Paul, referring to the example of soldiers, exhorts the ministers of the word to be free and disentangled from every hinderance, and to devote their labors to the church, he says: No man that warreth... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:1-39

The association of Jesus and these chosen men seems to have commenced as follows: Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew (sons of Jona), John and James (the sons of Zebedee and Salome), belonged to fisher families dwelling on the banks of the Lake of Gennesaret. They seemed to have been fast friends, at times even partners in their occupation. Sharers with many others of the youth of Israel of their time, in a passionate hope that the hour of the long-promised deliverance from the yoke of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:27

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me . Capernaum, as has been already noticed, had become, owing to its situation, a commercial centre of no small importance. It was on the great highway from the interior of Asia, and from Damascus to the seaboard Mediterranean cities, to Jerusalem, and to Egypt. The custom-house of Capernaum and the office of inland revenue there would naturally be under the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:27-28

Following Christ. Who can fail to be struck with— I. THE COMMANDING AUTHORITY OF CHRIST . It will be observed that he speaks in the imperative; not "Wouldest thou," but "Do thou follow me!" He speaks, also, unconditionally, absolutely, not "Follow me if or when," but simply and without reserve, "Follow me!" Consider what large consequences would result from Matthew's choice—the complete breaking up of his old life, the forsaking of his old pursuits and of his old friends, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:27-29

The calf of Levi ( Matthew the publican ), and the feast that followed. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:27-39

The call of Levi, and the subsequent banquet. We noticed how, at the healing of the paralytic, there was a critical assemblage. Secretly did they impugn the absolution pronounced by the Master, and publicly were they refuted. Immediately after, it would seem from all the accounts, Jesus takes the bold step of calling a publican to become his disciple. It was a throwing down of the gauntlet to his enemies. It was taking up a man whom they had excommunicated and despised, and so bringing the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:28

He left all, rose up, and followed him . No doubt a hard and difficult bit of self-renunciation. He, at the bidding of the homeless, landless Teacher, gave up his lucrative employment, sacrificing all his life of promotion, of future wealth and position, exposing himself, doubtless, to sneers and calumny. With great truth could he re-echo his friend Peter's words, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:29

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house . There is no doubt that this Levi was the same person as Matthew the publican (subsequently the evangelist), whose calling under precisely similar circumstances is related in the First Gospel. The name Matthew, "gift of God," was probably given to him, as that of Peter (or Cephas, "a rock") was bestowed on Simon, after his association with Jesus. The words used, "a great feast," a great company, plainly indicate that Levi (Matthew)was a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 5:29-32

Christian association. On what principle shall we regulate our intercourse with men? How shall we follow Christ in the matter of associating with our fellow-men? Our answer, suggested by this incident, is— I. THAT ASSOCIATION WITH BAD MEN ON THE GROUND OF FRIENDSHIP IS AN UNCHRISTIAN THING . The Pharisees would have been right, enough if Jesus Christ had mingled with the mercenary and the vicious only to enjoy their company. His time might certainly have... read more

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