Mark 2:14-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-14

It is probable that our Lord remained some time at Capernaum before he went forth again . The word "again" refers to his former going forth. When he went forth on this occasion he appears to have traveled southwards along the sea-shore. There, not far from Capernaum , he saw Levi, the son of Alphseus, sitting at the receipt of custom ( ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον ); more literally, at the place of toll. This place would be in the direct line for traders from Damascus to Accho, and a convenient... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-17

Levi's discipleship and hospitality. The story of Matthew illustrates the part of improbabilities in human life. Some would see in it the irony of fate; we would recognize the mystery of Providence. The evangelists tell us of a man who occupied the humble and even despised position of collector of Roman dues or customs by the shores of the little Lake of Gennesaret, who was summoned to leave this lowly occupation, for what seemed the yet humbler office of attendant and scholar to a peasant... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Levi's feast: the moral questions it occasioned. 1. ( Mark 2:13-17 .) Eating with publicans and sinners. In calling Matthew (Levi) from the receipt of custom, our Saviour made him relinquish all his old pursuits and companions, and conferred upon him an unexpected honor. The feast given by him was, therefore, partly a farewell, partly a celebration. In overstepping the boundary line of Jewish religious and social etiquette, the Lord performed an act of great significance, which was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Levi's feast: the moral questions it occasioned. 2. ( Mark 2:18-22 .) The rationale of fasting. I. THE ORIGIN OF THE QUESTION . This seemed to be natural enough. A real perplexity was created which required to be removed. There is no malice or bitterness in the inquiry. Amongst spiritual associates all such difficulties ought to be frankly faced and kindly discussed. 1 . The feast of Levi was coincident with a traditional fast. The Pharisees and the disciples of John both... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Fasting. "By the sea side" the great Teacher is heard by a listening multitude. Then passing near "the place of toll, his eye fell upon Levi, son of Alphseus," whose service he imperatively claims. Levi, already called to be a disciple, now called to be an apostle, with much sacrifice arises to follow his Lord and Master to the end, so teaching for all future apostles and servants that the claims of the kingdom of Heaven stand first in importance, and must first be met. The simple, brief,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Parallel passages: Matthew 9:9-17 ; Luke 5:27-39 .— Call of Levi, Feasting, and Fasting. I. THE CALL OF LEVI . 1 . Publicans , who were they ? The publicans proper, who paid a certain sum contracted for into the public treasury ( publicum ), were Roman knights, a wealthy class of citizens. These, again, had their agents who sublet, or acted as their owngents in subletting, the collection of the taxes, usually to natives of the country from which the taxes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:14-15

Levi's call from dishonor to discipleship. All the sacred Scriptures serve to show that God's redemption is meant for those who are conscious of their sin, however grievous have been their offenses. Promises prove this. Isaiah's description of a people whose head was faint and whose heart was sick is followed by the invitation, "Come now, and let us reason together," etc., and this is intensified by the gracious words of Christ, "Come unto me, all ye that labour," etc. Facts suggest... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:15

And it came to pass — ἐγένετο seems the best reading— as he was sitting at meat in his house . This was the house of Matthew. St. Matthew ( Matthew 9:10 ) modestly says, "in the house," keeping himself as much as possible in the background. St. Luke, with greater fullness, says ( Luke 5:29 ) that "Levi made him a great feast in his house." From this it appears that Matthew at once marked the occasion of his call by inviting his associates, publicans and sinners, that they too,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:15-22

Matthew's house. I. THE SOCIALITY OF JESUS . He was found at ordinary dinner-parties and entertainments throughout his course, and to the last. He was a contrast in this to the ascetic Baptist. He was found in " questionable " company. But the company of Pharisees would have been as " questionable. " With a clear conscience a man may go into the miscellany of people called " society. " A free and open manner is certain to bring remark and censure upon him. But better to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:16

According to the most approved readings, this verse should run thus: And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners. The words "publicans and sinners" are thus inverted in their order in the two clauses, as though they were convertible terms. Of course, the scribes and Pharisees had not sat down at this feast, but some of them had probably found their way into the... read more

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