A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 5:29

"And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at meat with them." — Luke 5:29 (ASV)

A great feast (δοχην μεγαλην). Here and in Lu 14:13 only in the N.T. The word δοχη, from δεχομα, means reception. Occurs in Plutarch and LXX. Levi made Jesus a big reception.

Publicans and others (τελωνων κα αλλων). Luke declines here to use "sinners" like Mr 2:15 and Mt 9:10 though he does so in verse 30 and in 15:1. None but social outcasts would eat with publicans at such a feast or barbecue, for it was a very large affair.

Were sitting at meat with them (ησαν μετ' αυτων κατακειμενο). Literally, were reclining with them (Jesus and the disciples). It was a motley crew that Levi had brought together, but he showed courage as well as loyalty to Jesus.