Mat 9:9-13 | Family | STEP | Matthew ; the writer of this gospel. Receipt of custom ; the place where taxes were paid. Some abandoned men are called by the grace of Christ; and when he speaks to their hearts, they will immediately follow him.

‏ Matthew 9:9-13

Matthew; the writer of this gospel.

Receipt of custom; the place where taxes were paid. Some abandoned men are called by the grace of Christ; and when he speaks to their hearts, they will immediately follow him. The house; Matthew's house.

Publicans and sinners; tax-gatherers and vicious persons. Sick; sinners need the Saviour, as those that are sick need a physician. It was therefore proper that he should be with such, for the purpose of doing them good. And if any were really righteous, as the Pharisees imagined that they were, they did not need his presence as a Saviour. It is sometimes right to associate even with the openly vicious, for the purpose of doing them good. Meaneth; Ho 6:6.

Mercy; I am pleased with a merciful disposition, manifesting itself in doing good to the needs, more than with the most careful attention merely to external ceremonies. In these latter lay all the religion of the scribes and Pharisees. They scrupulously avoided the outward defilement of contact with publicans and sinners, while they had no compassion for their souls or bodies. No external observances will compensate for the want of a kind, compassionate disposition; and acts of mercy to the needy and to the guilty, from love to God and men, are peculiarly acceptable to him.