And we have cause also to admire the self-denial of the evangelist, how he disguises not his own former life, but adds even his name ... from the midst of the evils He drew him up; much as He converted the blessed Paul also when frantic and raging, and darting fire; ...
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 30 on Matthew 9, 4th Century


... even with regard to a harlot woman, so far from being ashamed to call her, He actually permitted her to kiss His feet, and to moisten them with her tears. Yea, for to this end He came, not to cure bodies only, but to heal likewise the wickedness of the soul ....
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 30 on Matthew 9, 4th Century


For He that hath power to undo all our offenses, why marvel if He even make this man an apostle? ... But as thou hast seen the power of Him that called, so consider also the obedience of him that was called: how he neither resisted, nor disputing ... but followed, exhibiting a mind prepared for all things ... breaking himself at once away from all worldly things ...
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 30 on Matthew 9, 4th Century


Now the publican ... exulting in the entrance of Christ, had called them all together. The fact is, Christ used to try every kind of treatment; and not when discoursing only, nor when healing, nor when reproving ... hereby teaching us, that every season and every work may by possibility afford us profit ....
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 30 on Matthew 9, 4th Century


For such is the quality of a physician; unless he endure the corruption of the sick. he frees them not from their infirmity .... hear what Zaccheus saith, another publican ... when he heard Christ saying, "Today, I must abide in thy house," ... "The half of my goods I give to the poor ..."
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 30 on Matthew 9, 4th Century