William Burkitt on Matthew 9:9

Observe here, The number of our Lord's apostles not being filled up, what a strange election and choice he makes; Matthew, a grinding publican is the man.

Learn, Such is the freeness of God's grace, that it chooses, and such is the efficacy of it, that it overpowers and brings in, the worst of sinners unto God; Matthew, a publican; Zaccheus, an extortioner; Manasseh, a murderer; Paul, a persecuter; all these are brought home to God by the power of converting grave.

Observe, 2. Matthew's ready compliance with God's call, He arose, and followed Christ. When the inward call of the Spirit accompanies the outward call of the word, the soul readily complies, and presently yields obedience to the voice of God.

Christ oftentimes speaks by his word to our ears, and we hear not, we stir not: but when he speaks by his Spirit to our hearts, Satan shall not hold us down, the world shall not keep us back, but we shall arise, and follow our Lord and Master. Bp. Hall