Some teachers of the Law, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with these outcasts and tax collectors, so they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with such people?"

When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them.

Jesus asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?"

When the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, 'Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!' God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results."

And then they say to others, 'Keep away from us; we are too holy for you to touch!' I cannot stand people like that---my anger against them is like a fire that never goes out.

Some Pharisees and some teachers of the Law who belonged to their group complained to Jesus' disciples. "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other outcasts?" they asked.

One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus,

the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, "This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!"

All the people who saw it started grumbling, "This man has gone as a guest to the home of a sinner!"

In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people.

What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.

Indeed, we are Jews by birth and not "Gentile sinners," as they are called.

Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes.

So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, "Peace be with you."