And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s easy to miss here is that Luke, a Gentile himself, specifically notes "others" besides tax collectors, subtly broadening the picture beyond just Levi's unpopular profession. This "reception" wasn't just a party; it was Levi's way of showing his new Teacher to his own social circle, bridging his old life and his new calling.
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately after Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) the tax collector, Levi throws a large reception in his home to introduce Jesus to his friends. This gathering includes many fellow tax collectors and others, who are all welcomed to share a meal and recline at table with Jesus, despite their socially questionable profession.
When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, it wasn't just a job change; it was a complete upheaval of his life and social standing. Then, Levi throws a party – what was the point?
Jesus’ call to Levi (also known as Matthew) wasn't just a simple invitation to discipleship; it was a radical disruption. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and sinners, working for the oppressive Roman government and often exploiting their own people. Yet, Jesus saw past Levi's profession and into his heart.
Levi's immediate response? A great feast! This wasn't just a polite thank-you; it was a bold declaration. He gathered his peers – other tax collectors and those on the fringes of society. This feast was Levi's way of introducing Jesus to his world and, perhaps, showing his old associates that he hadn't simply abandoned them, but was bringing them hope through Jesus.
The word used for 'feast' here isn't just about food. It speaks to the purpose and atmosphere of the gathering. What does that tell us about Jesus’ ministry?
The Greek word translated as 'feast' here literally means a 'reception.' Think of it like a welcoming party. This wasn't just about sharing a meal, but about making guests feel accepted and valued.
This 'reception' style gathering was significant because Jesus was intentionally welcoming those who were typically excluded. In a society where religious leaders often kept their distance from 'sinners,' Jesus was breaking down barriers. He was demonstrating through action that God’s kingdom is open to everyone, regardless of their past or social standing.
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dochē · Greek Noun
A social event centered on eating, symbolizing fellowship, community, and acceptance. In the biblical context, sharing a meal was a sign of covenant friendship and spiritual identity.
Levi's great feast wasn't just a meal; it was a radical social event demonstrating the inclusivity of Jesus' mission and the transformative power of his call. It directly confronted the prevailing social and religious barriers of the day by bringing together a despised profession with the Messiah.
Early 1st century AD
Roman occupation of Judea
Judea was under Roman rule, and tax collectors (publicans) were employed to gather taxes for both the Roman government and local authorities. This role was often seen as corrupt and collaborating with the oppressors.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus began his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee. His message of the Kingdom of God challenged religious and social norms.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus calls Levi the tax collector
Jesus encounters Levi at his tax booth and calls him to follow him. This act immediately challenged the social ostracization of tax collectors.
Early 1st century AD
Levi hosts a banquet for Jesus
Levi, now a disciple, throws a large feast in his home, inviting many fellow tax collectors and other people. This event highlights Jesus' willingness to associate with those considered outcasts by society.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisees and scribes criticize Jesus
Religious leaders observe Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners and criticize him for associating with such people, questioning his adherence to purity laws.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus explains his mission
In response to criticism, Jesus famously states, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," and "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." This clarifies his purpose and compassion.
This passage, from Matthew's own Gospel, also records this event, showing Levi (whom Matthew identifies himself as) hosting Jesus and including other tax collectors and 'sinners'.
Luke 15:1-2This immediately following passage highlights Jesus' ongoing reputation for eating with tax collectors and sinners, which drew criticism from the Pharisees and led to Jesus telling parables about seeking the lost.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29Paul echoes the theme of God calling the unlikely and the 'foolish' or 'weak' by worldly standards, showing that God's choice of Levi (Matthew) aligns with His pattern of using those the world overlooks.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20This passage speaks to the transformative power of Jesus' call, illustrating the new life that Levi, a tax collector transformed into an apostle, would begin to live and share with others.
clarkeLuke 5:29: "And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them."
A great feast - Δοχην μεγαλην, A splendid entertainment. The word refers more properly to the number of the guests, and the manner in which they were received, than to the quality or quantity of the fare. A great number of his friends and acquaintance was collected on the occasion, that they might be convinced of the propriety of the change he had made…
jfbLuke 5:27-32: "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me."
Lu 5:27-32. Levi's Call and Feast.(See on [1576]Mt 9:9-13; and Mr 2:14.)
What’s easy to miss here is that Luke, a Gentile himself, specifically notes "others" besides tax collectors, subtly broadening the picture beyond just Levi's unpopular profession. This "reception" wasn't just a party; it was Levi's way of showing his new Teacher to his own social circle, bridging his old life and his new calling.
Immediately after Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) the tax collector, Levi throws a large reception in his home to introduce Jesus to his friends. This gathering includes many fellow tax collectors and others, who are all welcomed to share a meal and recline at table with Jesus, despite their socially questionable profession.
Immediately after Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) the tax collector, Levi throws a large reception in his home to introduce Jesus to his friends. This gathering includes many fellow tax collectors and others, who are all welcomed to share a meal and recline at table with Jesus, despite their socially questionable profession.
"And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them." — What’s easy to miss here is that Luke, a Gentile himself, specifically notes "others" besides tax collectors, subtly broadening the picture beyond just Levi's unpopular profession. This "reception" w…
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Last reviewed October 2026