John Chrysostom

Having therefore called him, He also honored him with a very great honor by partaking straightway of his table; for in this way He would both give him good hope for the future, and lead him on to a greater confidence. For not in a long time, but at once, He healed his vice. And not with him only doth He sit down to meat, but with many others also; although this very thing was accounted a charge against Him, that He chased not away the sinners. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 30 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at table in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" Joyful because he had received Christ into his house, Matthew invited the publicans. Christ ate with them so that He might benefit them also, even though He was criticized for doing it. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Augustine of Hippo

Matthew has not said in whose house Jesus sat at meat (on this occasion), from which we might suppose, that this was not told in its proper order, but that what took place at some other time is inserted here as it happened to come into his mind; did not Mark and Luke who relate the same show that it was in Levi's, that is, in Matthew's house.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Jerome

And it came to pass, as he sat at table in his house, behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when Jesus heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.''

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Thomas Aquinas

He continues: As he was at table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. Here he shows how many were called to intimacy. Hence he says, As he sat at table... Others say that he gave him a banquet, but Matthew is silent. But it is true that he did; hence he invited many, so that they would be drawn to the Lord, because "curtain draws curtain" (Ex c. 36). Therefore, it is a sign that one is firmly converted to the Lord, when he draws others, whom he loves more. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗