And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Sat at meat in the house - Viz. of Matthew, who it appears, from Luke 5:29, made a great feast on the occasion, thus testifying his gratitude for the honor done him; and that his friends and acquaintances might profit by the teaching of his new master, he invites them to the entertainment that was honored by the presence of Christ. His companions, it appears, were not of the most creditable kind. They were tax-gatherers (see Matthew 5:46) and sinners, αμαρτωλοι, a word which I believe in general signifies heathens, throughout the Gospels, and in several other parts of the New Testament. See, among others, Matthew 11:19 (note); Matthew 26:45 (note); Mark 2:15-17 (note); Mark 14:41; Luke 5:30-32 (note); Luke 6:32-34 (note); Luke 7:34, Luke 7:37, (note); Luke 7:39; Luke 15:1, Luke 15:2, Luke 15:7, Luke 15:10 (note); Luke 19:7 (note); Luke 24:7 (note); John 9:16, John 9:24, John 9:25, John 9:31 (note); Romans 5:8 (note); Galatians 2:15 (note); Hebrews 7:26 (note); 1 Peter 4:18 (note); in most, if not all of which places, it evidently refers to the character or state of a Gentile, or Heathen. See also the notes on these passages.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 9:10
Matthew 9:10
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.