Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 15. Sat at meat in his 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 honour of the Saviour. See Lu 5:29.

Publicans. See Barnes "Mt 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 and ridicule 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 on mankind, as our Lord did in his personal ministry.

{m} "And it came to pass" Mt 9:10 {n} "Publicans" Lu 15:1-5