¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”^(A)

¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’^[a](B) For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”^(C)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(A) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(B) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(C) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(D) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(E) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(F) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(G)

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