¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(A) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(B) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(C) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(D) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(E)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(F) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(G)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(H) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(I) as an example for those who would believe^(J) in him and receive eternal life.^(K)

²⁹ Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors^(A) and others were eating with them. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect^(B) complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”^(C)

³¹ Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”^(D)

¹⁵ While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. ¹⁶ When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees^(A) saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”^(B)

¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”^(C)

³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.^(A)

⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?^(A) Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?