{And as he passed by} (kai parag(936e)). Present participle
active, was passing by. Jesus was constantly on the alert for
opportunities to do good. An unlikely specimen was Levi
(Matthew), son of Alpheus, sitting at the toll-gate (	el(936e)ion)
on the Great West Road from Damascus to the Mediterranean. He was
a publican (	el(936e)(8873)) who collected toll for Herod Antipas. The
Jews hated or despised these publicans and classed them with
sinners (hamart(936c)oi). The challenge of Jesus was sudden and
sharp, but Levi (Matthew) was ready to respond at once. He had
heard of Jesus and quickly decided. Great decisions are often
made on a moment's notice. Levi is a fine object lesson for
business men who put off service to Christ to carry on their
business.