2:14 Levi the son of Alphaeus. In the parallel account in Matt. 9:9–13 this person is named “Matthew.” Since Matthew appears in Mark’s list of apostles (3:18) and there is no mention of Levi, it appears that Levi was surnamed “Matthew,” and it was by that name that he was best known in the early church.

tax booth. Tax booths were set up on highways, bridges, and canals for tolls, and at the lakeside to tax fishing. See note Luke 3:12.

he rose. The radical demand of Jesus’ call and the unconditional obedience of the one who hears are thrown into sharp relief for the reader.