Mark 2:15

King James Version (KJV)

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

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 attended him, and gave conclusive evidence that they were his real disciples, and it was only after much opposition from the rich and the great that he ever became unpopular among the people. Perhaps no preacher has ever attracted so universal attention, and produced so decisive effects upon mankind, as did our Lord in his personal ministry.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

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. telÅÂnai, “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).

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Ellen G. White
SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5 (EGW), 1120

29 (Matthew 9:9, 10; Mark 2:14, 15). Matthew Honored Christ Before Friends—In his grateful humility, Matthew desired to show his appreciation of the honor bestowed upon him, and, calling together those who had been his associates in business, in pleasure, and sin, he made a great feast for the Saviour. If Jesus would call him, who was so sinful and unworthy, He would surely accept his former companions who were, thought Matthew, far more deserving than himself. Matthew had a great longing that they should share the benefits of the mercies and grace of Christ. He desired them to know that Christ did not, as did the scribes and Pharisees, despise and hate the publicans and sinners. He wanted them to know Christ as the blessed Saviour. 5BC 1120.1

At the feast the Saviour occupied the most honored seat. Matthew was now the servant of Christ, and he would have his friends know in what light he regarded his Leader and Master. He would have them know that he felt highly honored in entertaining so royal a guest. 5BC 1120.2

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Ellen G. White
The Desire of Ages, 272-80

This chapter is based on Matthew 9:9-17; Mark 2:14-22; Luke 5:27-39.

Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with the vilest of society. DA 272.1

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Ellen G. White
Reflecting Christ, 31.1

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. Mark 2:15. RC 31.1

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Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Journey to Jerusalem

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Mark 2:15