Matthew 9:15

Sat. [Matthew’s Feast, Mark 2:15-17 = Matt. 9:10-13 = Luke 5:29-32. Major comment: Mark. See Middle Galilean Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord.] Gr. katakeimai, “to lie down.” Although in OT times it was usually the Jewish custom to sit while eating, by the time of Jesus, in the more pretentious houses at least, people commonly lay down to eat on a low platform or couch sloping away from the table. They rested on cushions and supported themselves by their left arms. The usual table was equipped on three sides with such slanting platforms, the fourth side being left open for attendants to serve the food. That Matthew’s home was equipped with such a table suggests that he was a man of means and culture.

Evidently the feast in Matthew’s home took place some weeks, perhaps months, after his call (see DA 342; see on ch. 5:21). It is recorded here probably in order to complete, in one context, the account of Matthew’s experiences.

At meat. Or, “at table” (RSV). This expression has been supplied by the translators to complete the idea implicit in the context (see v. 16).

In his house. The context makes apparent that this was Matthew’s house, and that Jesus was the guest of honor (see also Luke 5:29; cf. DA 274).

Publicans. Gr. telonai, “tax collectors,” “revenue agents” (see on Mark 2:14; Luke 3:12).

Sinners. See on v. 17. Such contacts as this, seeming at the time fruitless perhaps, doubtless contributed to producing the harvest of those who took their stand with the followers of Jesus, and became witnesses to the truth, when the Spirit was poured out upon the believers at Pentecost (see DA 274, 275).

They. That is, those who accepted His teachings. Some in addition to Matthew apparently took their stand for Jesus now; others doubtless did so later, particularly after the resurrection (see DA 275).