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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 2:13-17

Here is, I. Christ preaching by the sea-side (Mark 2:13), whither he went for room, because he found, upon second trial, no house or street large enough to contain his auditory; but upon the strand there might come as many as would. It should seem by this, that our Lord Jesus had a strong voice, and could and did speak loud; for wisdom crieth without in the places of concourse. Wherever he goes, though it be to the sea-side, multitudes resort to him. Wherever the doctrine of Christ is... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 2:13-14

2:13,14 So Jesus went out again to the lakeside, and the whole crowd came to him, and he went on teaching them. As he walked along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting in the office where he collected the customs duties. He said to him, "Follow me!" He rose and followed him. Steadily and inexorably the synagogue door was shutting on Jesus. Between him and the guardians of Jewish orthodoxy war had been declared. Now he was teaching, not in the synagogue, but by the lakeside. The open... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 2:13

And he went forth again by the sea side ,.... The sea of Galilee, where he had met with, and called Peter and Andrew, James and John; and not far from which were the solitary place, and the desert places, where he was before he entered into Capernaum: and all the multitude resorted unto him ; who had been with him at Peter's house, and about the door, and those who could not get near him: and he taught them ; the word of God, the Gospel, and the doctrines of it. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 2:14

And as he passed by ,.... As he went from Simon's house, and from the city of Capernaum, to go to the sea side: he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus ; the same with Matthew, Matthew 9:9 , and son to the same Alphaeus as James was, Matthew 10:3 , Beza's most ancient copy reads "James", instead of "Levi", very wrongly; but he was the brother of James, and also of Simon and Jude; so that there were four brothers of them apostles: and if Joses, called Barsabas, was the same Joses that was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 2:14

Levi - The same as Matthew; he appears to have been a Jew, though employed in the odious office of a tax-gatherer. For an account of his call, see his Gospel, Matthew 9:9 , etc. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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